On December 27, 2023, Herb Kohl, former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and esteemed U.S. Senator, passed away at the age of 88.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced his death, stating that it followed a brief illness.
Respected for his humility and community dedication, Kohl was a cherished figure in his home state of Wisconsin.
Kohl was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to immigrant parents, and played a key role in both the business and political arenas of his state. After earning his degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1956 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1958, he served in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964. His business skills were evident in the success of the Kohl’s grocery and department store chain, where he served as president in the 1970s.
He started his political career in the 1970s, serving as the chair of the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. His political pursuits culminated when he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 for $18 million, effectively keeping the team in Milwaukee and initiating a new chapter for the franchise.
Kohl’s commitment to his community was evident in his significant contributions to the construction of the Fiserv Forum and the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin.
In his 24-year Senate tenure, Kohl was known for his discreet yet effective approach to issues crucial to Wisconsin, such as dairy policy. His moderate voting record and his principle of being “nobody’s senator but yours” won him respect. He was among the wealthiest senators and unusually, he owned a professional sports team while in office.
His philanthropic endeavors were significant, especially through the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which has provided more than $34 million in grants and scholarships to Wisconsin educators and students.
Tributes to Kohl’s legacy came from many, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who acknowledged his extraordinary dedication to his state and the NBA.
Despite his accomplishments, Kohl, who never married, remained a modest figure, often avoiding the limelight to focus on his community’s needs.