On December 27, 2023, Herb Kohl, a respected former U.S. Senator and previous owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, died at the age of 88.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced his passing, noting that he succumbed to a brief illness.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kohl was widely admired for his humility and dedication to his community.
Kohl, the son of immigrants, played a significant role in Wisconsin’s business and political sphere. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1956, he obtained an MBA from Harvard University in 1958. He served in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964. His business acumen was instrumental in the success of the Kohl’s grocery and department store chains, and he became the company’s president in the 1970s.
He ventured into politics in the 1970s, chairing the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. His political career reached a high point when he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 for $18 million, ensuring the team remained in Milwaukee and heralding a new era for the franchise.
Kohl was renowned for his generosity and dedication to his community, notably through his substantial contributions to building the Fiserv Forum and the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin.
In the Senate, Kohl was known for his quiet effectiveness, particularly on issues crucial to Wisconsin such as dairy policy. He served in the Senate for 24 years, earning respect for his moderate voting record and his principle of being “nobody’s senator but yours.” He was among the wealthiest senators and uniquely owned a professional sports team while serving in the Senate.
Kohl’s philanthropy was extensive, especially through the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which has granted over $34 million in scholarships and grants to educators and students in Wisconsin.
Tributes to Kohl’s legacy were paid by many, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who acknowledged his exceptional dedication to his state and the NBA.
Despite his remarkable success, Kohl, who never married, remained a modest figure, often avoiding the limelight to focus on serving his community.
