Definitely not Syringa reticulata. I would assume Catalpa based on the overall appearance, but I would like to know leaf size by having something for scale. Catalpa leaves are far more than double the size of the lilac. Bark on S. reticulata is slightly shiny and makes me think of ornamental cherries.

Looks like S reticulata to me. They can get pretty large after many years. National champion is listed at 30' high by 35' wide.

The leaves looked too small for Catalpa, and I didn't see any seed pods. In fact, I didn't see any seed structures at all, which seemed a bit odd. I estimated the height at 30'-40'.

Does the bark of a very old JTL tend to develop this gnarly form?

The perspective in the first landscape photo was misleading. Landscape photo #2 is much better and I'm comfortable with the Syringa reticulata ID.

We can tell from the close view of the leaves and the autumn colors that are coming on that it is the lilac and not a catalpa.

This tree is only a few miles from where I live and I'll revisit next spring when in flower. If it is JTL, I thought maybe it would approach champion size for Wisconsin. I think tt's getting close.