Wis. Stat. § 786.28

Upon the application being made, the circuit court must appoint some suitable person as referee, under whose direction the sale, mortgaging, leasing or other disposition of the lands or interest shall be made, which referee shall give a bond to the court in such amount, with such sureties and in such form as the court directs, conditioned as provided in s. 786.08. All proceedings had prior to June 7, 1913, under this chapter in county courts not having civil jurisdiction are hereby legalized.