Wisconsin and the world of basketball mourn the loss of Herb Kohl, a distinguished former Democratic U.S. senator and beloved owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. At the age of 88, Kohl passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of public service, philanthropy, and unwavering loyalty to the state he cherished. Let us delve into the remarkable life of this extraordinary man who forever transformed the NBA and Wisconsin’s civic landscape.
A Savior for the Milwaukee Bucks
With an indomitable spirit and profound vision, Herb Kohl acquired the Milwaukee Bucks in 1985 for $18 million, saving the beloved team from potential relocation. His passion for basketball and commitment to his hometown manifested in his unwavering dedication to the franchise and the city. Throughout his nearly three-decade tenure as the Governor of the Milwaukee Bucks, Kohl set the standard for NBA team ownership and ensured that the Bucks would remain a vital pillar of the community.
Under Kohl’s guidance, the Bucks experienced remarkable success. The team’s winning streak continued for six consecutive seasons after his acquisition. Although facing some difficulties throughout the 1990s, the Bucks resurged in the late ’90s and early 2000s, establishing themselves as formidable competitors.
Supporting a New Era in Milwaukee
In 2014, Kohl sold the team to New York billionaires Wes Edens and Marc Lasry, who shared his unwavering commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Kohl’s impact extended beyond team ownership. He contributed an astonishing $100 million towards the construction of Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art arena that replaced the aging Bradley Center. The arena’s completion in 2018 provided the Bucks with a modern home, solidifying their presence and future in Milwaukee.
Beyond his contributions to the field of sports, Herb Kohl’s philanthropy left an indelible mark on the state of Wisconsin. His commitment to fostering education was unparalleled, exemplified by his remarkable $25 million donation to the University of Wisconsin. The funds were dedicated to the construction of the Kohl Center, a hub for the university’s basketball and hockey teams. This generous contribution stands as the largest private donation in the university’s history, further illuminating Kohl’s devotion to fostering educational opportunities for Wisconsin’s citizens.
Herb Kohl’s path to remarkable success was studded with significant milestones. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he formed a lifelong friendship with Bud Selig, who later became the commissioner of Major League Baseball. Their bond ignited during their time at the University of Wisconsin, where they roomed together. Kohl’s pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence led him to Harvard University, where he earned a master’s degree in business administration.
In Politics and Beyond
Building on his family’s business, Kohl’s grocery and department stores, Herb Kohl assumed the role of company president in the 1970s. Guided by a sense of duty and passion for public service, he entered Wisconsin politics, serving as the chair of the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977. Eager to make a lasting impact, Kohl set his sights on the U.S. Senate. In 1988, he pursued a senatorial career, emerging victorious in a hard-fought campaign against Susan Engeleiter. Over the next three decades, he secured re-election in 1994, 2000, and 2006, serving as an esteemed senator with grace and humility.
Within the Senate chambers, Kohl defied convention. Unlike many of his peers, he shunned the spotlight and refrained from grandstanding. His soft-spoken demeanor masked an unwavering determination to champion issues vital to Wisconsin’s interests, particularly in the dairy sector. Kohl humbly acknowledged, “I am a person who does not believe in invective,” and preferred to let his actions speak for themselves. Thanks to his self-funded Senate campaigns, he presented himself as “nobody’s senator but yours,” epitomizing his commitment to his constituents.
Herb Kohl’s devotion to education extended far beyond financial contributions. He established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, dedicating resources to scholarships and fellowships for students, teachers, and schools across Wisconsin. Kohl’s generosity exemplified his belief in the transformative power of education, leaving an enduring legacy that will empower future generations.
Herb Kohl’s exceptional life was characterized by a fervent love for his state, a profound dedication to public service, and an unwavering commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks. We bid farewell to an iconic figure, an extraordinary philanthropist, and a true Wisconsin legend. Herb Kohl’s impact will continue to resonate within the hearts of basketball fans, students, and citizens whose lives have been forever enriched by his legacy.
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