Herb Kohl, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and former owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, has died, the Associated Press reports. He was 88. His death Wednesday was announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, which did not give a cause but said he died after a brief illness.
Kohl was a popular figure in Wisconsin, purchasing the Bucks to keep them from leaving town and spending on civic and educational causes throughout the state. He also donated $25 million to the University of Wisconsin to help fund construction of the Kohl Center, home to the school’s basketball and hockey teams. It was the single largest private donation in university history. He used his own money to fund the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation as well, which donates money for scholarships and fellowships to students, teachers and schools in Wisconsin.
In 1988, Kohl decided to run for the Senate. He won reelection in 1994, 2000, and 2006.
Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement regarding Kohl’s passing:
“A Milwaukeean and Wisconsinite through and through, U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl dedicated his life to serving our kids, our communities, our state, and our country. Sen. Kohl was, without a doubt, nobody’s senator but ours.
“Sen. Kohl was deeply committed to community, kindness, and service to others. Wisconsin’s seniors, students, teachers, and schools, and farmers and rural areas, among so many others, are better off because of his life and legacy, the impacts of which will last for generations.”
