Sutton, Tara D.

We are saddened to announce that Tara Sutton died on September 20 of natural causes at the age of 59.

Tara was a devoted and attentive mother to the stars of her life, Matthew and Emma, and she loved her stepson Sam as one of her own after the Sutton and Wilson families blended. She was so proud of her children’s achievements, but prouder still of who they became as people.

She was a wonderful partner to her husband, Gary Wilson. The two worked together on challenging legal causes, but they also made room for a big life together — traveling to Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa, often with friends and family (Tara loved an excellent cruise), and hiking the North Shore from the family cabin on Lake Superior. Every year without fail, she made the trip back to Iowa City to visit her alma mater and cheer on the Hawkeye football team.

Tara grew up in Hamilton, Illinois, a small town on the Iowa border. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1991, she joined Robins Kaplan Miller and Ciresi in Minneapolis. In her 32 years at the firm, she fought for justice on some of the most notable cases of our time. She was a critical member of the legal team that represented the State of Minnesota against the tobacco industry, a major public health achievement. In recent years, she was instrumental in the litigation against opioid manufacturers, particularly on behalf of Native American tribes, and she tried the State of Minnesota’s case against Juul for marketing addictive products to young people. Over her storied career, she successfully represented thousands of people who had been harmed through no fault of their own.

Beyond the courtroom, Tara gave her time generously to the institutions she believed in. She served on the boards of directors of the Guthrie Theater, the Children's Theatre Company, and the Public Justice Foundation (former president).

Tara’s legal honors were numerous. Among them, she was named a Top Ten Super Lawyer in Minnesota, Minnesota Lawyer of the Year, Lawdragon Legend, and received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Iowa College of Law, a particular point of pride for the whole family.

Tara was far more than an accomplished lawyer. She was an elegant, fashionable woman, as well as a sports fanatic and champion of women’s sports and the Minnesota Lynx. She was passionate about interior design and collecting art, as well as getting her hands dirty in her garden. She was both a farm girl and an urbane intellectual. An avid reader of history and politics, she nonetheless was a lover of comedies and beach reads.

Tara was preceded in death by her father Terry Sutton. A self-described “daddy’s girl,” she learned from him to excel at basketball, work hard, and be good to people.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Wilson; her children Matthew and Emma Martinez Sutton; her stepson Sam Wilson; her mother, Judith Sutton, a constant inspiration in her life; her brother Steve (Melody) Sutton; and her beloved nieces, Olivia and Amanda Sutton. Tara is also survived by her first husband, Rick Martinez (Sarah Hudleston), who she remained close with as they raised their two beautiful children together, along with several aunts, cousins, and many dear friends and colleagues.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2 at 12 PM at Wayzata Community Church. A later Celebration of Life will follow for those who are unable to attend the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Tara’s honor to your favorite charity.

The family is deeply grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Hennepin County Medical Center SICU, who tried so hard to save Tara.

Tara’s life was too short, but it was full. Everyone who shared it with her came away better for having known her. She left her mark on the world. She will be missed more than words can say.