Herb Kohl, a former U.S. Senator and esteemed owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 88.
His death, announced by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, came after a brief illness.
Kohl, known for his humility and commitment to community, was a beloved figure in his native Wisconsin.
Born in Milwaukee, Kohl was the son of immigrants and grew up to play a pivotal role in both the business and political landscapes of his state. He graduated in 1956 from the University of Wisconsin and earned an MBA from Harvard University in 1958. Kohl was in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964. His business acumen was evident as he helped make the Kohl’s grocery and department stores successful and became the company president in the 1970s.
Kohl’s venture into politics began in the 1970s when he served as chair of the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. His political career peaked when he bought the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 for $18 million, a move that kept the team in Milwaukee and marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
He was known for his generosity and commitment to his community, particularly through his significant contributions to the construction of the Fiserv Forum and the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin.
In the Senate, Kohl was recognized for his quiet yet effective approach, especially on issues vital to Wisconsin like dairy policy. He served in the Senate for 24 years, gaining respect for his moderate voting record and his ethos of being “nobody’s senator but yours.” He was one of the wealthiest members of the Senate and uniquely held the position of a professional sports team owner while serving.
Kohl’s philanthropic efforts were extensive, most notably through the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which has provided over $34 million in grants and scholarships to Wisconsin educators and students.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver were among the many who paid tribute to Kohl’s legacy, citing his extraordinary commitment to his state and the NBA.
Kohl, who never married, remained a humble figure despite his success, often shunning the spotlight in favor of focusing on the needs of his community.
