Herb Kohl, the former U.S. senator and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, has passed away at the age of 88. His death marks the end of an era for Wisconsin and the nation. Known for his contributions to politics, business, and sports, Kohl’s impact on various spheres of public life is undeniable. Herb Kohl’s death was announced by the Herb Kohl Foundation after a brief illness.
Herb Kohl: The Humble Philanthropist
JoAnne Anton, director of giving for Herb Kohl Philanthropies, remembered Herb Kohl as someone who always prioritized people. From employees and their families to customers and numerous charitable organizations, Kohl’s commitment to humility, compromise, and kindness defined his legacy. The Herb Kohl Way, symbolized by a street in front of the Fiserv Forum, encapsulates his values and serves as a reminder of the impact he had on those he worked with and served.
Kohl’s Political Journey
Entry into Politics
In 1988, at the age of 53, Herb Kohl entered electoral politics, embarking on a journey that would secure him arguably the most bulletproof electoral track record in modern Wisconsin history. Known for his household name and goodwill, Kohl’s political career was built on the success of the family-owned grocery and department store businesses, as well as his ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks, a move widely credited with saving the team from leaving.
Political Achievements
Despite facing accusations of trying to buy a Senate seat in his first race, Kohl’s effective response and memorable campaign slogan, “Nobody’s Senator but Yours,” resonated with voters. He went on to win four Senate victories, the last three in landslides, solidifying his position in Wisconsin’s political landscape. Unlike other political giants, Kohl never experienced electoral defeat, showcasing his ability to connect with the electorate.
Kohl’s Business Ventures
From Family-Owned Businesses to the NBA
A native son of Wisconsin, Herb Kohl played a pivotal role in expanding the family-owned grocery and department store businesses into a long-standing success story. His business acumen extended beyond retail, as evidenced by his involvement in bringing the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team to Wisconsin in 1970. In 1985, he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks, ensuring the team’s continued presence in his hometown.
The Kohl Legacy
Much has been written about Herb Kohl’s immense wealth, with estimates placing his net worth at $300 million in 1999. However, for Kohl, money was not the primary motivator. Raised in a family that started with zero, he learned the value of hard work and a full effort in life. The family enterprise, which included supermarkets, department stores, and substantial real estate, underwent significant changes in 1972, but Kohl continued to make a lasting impact.
Personal Life and Early Years
A Son of Jewish Immigrants
Herb Kohl’s journey began as the son of Jewish immigrants, with a father who initially worked in a Schlitz bottle-cap factory before opening a small grocery store. Kohl’s upbringing emphasized the importance of a full effort in life, a lesson that stayed with him throughout his successful career. He attended Sherman Elementary School and Washington High School in Milwaukee, later earning degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
The Kohl Family Business
Joining the family business in 1959, Kohl became an integral part of the family’s success story. From a dozen supermarkets, the Kohl family business expanded to 74 supermarkets, becoming a dominant force in the Milwaukee grocery market. Kohl’s approach was rooted in competition but always above board, drawing parallels to the legendary Green Bay Packers. His commitment to employees, visiting stores weekly, and maintaining a personal connection reflected his leadership style.
Kohl’s Philanthropic Contributions
Generosity Beyond Politics and Business
Herb Kohl’s philanthropic endeavors extended beyond politics and business. In 1971, he served as the general chairman of the United Way campaign in the Milwaukee area, personally covering a shortfall with a $25,000 check when the campaign fell short of its goal. Kohl’s involvement in causes like the HHK Foundation for Contemporary Art showcased his commitment to social issues. Additionally, his $25 million donation to the Kohl Center Arena at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995 remains one of the largest single donations in UW history.
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The Legacy Continues: Ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks
A Steward for Milwaukee
Herb Kohl’s ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks from 1985 to 2014 was more than a financial investment. His commitment to keeping the team in Milwaukee, preventing its potential departure, was a reflection of his dedication to the city. Kohl’s decision to sell the team in 2014 included a simultaneous pledge of $100 million towards the construction of a new arena, later known as the Fiserv Forum. The sale ensured that new owners, Marc Lasry and Wes Edens, would continue to keep the franchise in Milwaukee.
A Championship Legacy
In 2021, Herb Kohl witnessed the Milwaukee Bucks winning the NBA title. His investment in the team, both financially and emotionally, culminated in a championship celebration. Kohl’s decision to buy the Bucks, seen by some as an investment in Milwaukee’s psychological and economic well-being, left an enduring impact on the city.
Herb Kohl’s life story is one of resilience, success, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the people and places he cared about. From his early years in the family business to