Former U.S. senator Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl dead 88

Former U.S. senator and Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl died at 88. Known for his philanthropy, he was widely respected in Wisconsin.

Herb Kohl, a former U.S. senator and previous owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, passed away at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, which stated that he succumbed to a brief illness, although the exact cause of death was not specified. JoAnne Anton, director of giving for Herb Kohl Philanthropies, emphasized Kohl's dedication to putting people first, from employees and their families to customers and numerous charitable organizations and efforts.

The legacy of Herb Kohl is deeply rooted in humility, commitment, compromise, and kindness, as evidenced by the street named after him in front of the Fiserv Forum. Kohl played a crucial role in expanding the family-owned business, Kohl's grocery and department stores, and served as president of the company throughout the 1970s before it was sold in 1979. He was widely respected in Wisconsin for preventing the Bucks from relocating and generously contributing to civic and educational causes across the state.

Kohl was elected as one of the richest members of the Senate and was the only representative to own a professional sports team. His brother, Sidney Kohl, emphasized that Kohl's wealth was never a priority to him, comparing it to the score in a ball game - it was about winning. Born in Milwaukee to Jewish immigrants in 1935, Kohl shared a childhood friendship with Bud Selig, who later became the commissioner of Major League Baseball. After attending the University of Wisconsin in 1956, Kohl earned his master's degree in business administration from Harvard University before serving in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964.

Kohl never married, choosing to remain single to handle the demands of being an owner and senator. His life was defined by his dedication to serving and helping others, leaving a lasting impact on the people he worked with and the causes he supported. Herb Kohl's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of compassion and generosity will endure for generations to come.