Herb Kohl, the former Democratic US senator from Wisconsin and one-time owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away at the age of 88, AP reports.

Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced his death on Wednesday, citing a brief illness without specifying the cause.

Kohl, a Milwaukee native, had a profound impact on both his state and the city he loved.

The philanthropic foundation, in a statement, highlighted his deep connection to Milwaukee and Wisconsin, noting that he chose to spend his days there.

The foundation remarked that Kohl touched countless lives, describing him as one of the most decent individuals to ever walk the earth.

Born in Milwaukee, Kohl formed a lasting friendship with Bud Selig, who later became the commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB).

The two were childhood friends and roommates at the University of Wisconsin and maintained their friendship into adulthood.

After earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1956 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1958, Kohl served in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964.

He played a pivotal role in expanding the family-owned business, Kohl's grocery and department stores, ultimately serving as the company president in the 1970s before its sale in 1979.

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Herb Kohl's Political Career and Philanthropy

Kohl entered politics in the 1970s, chairing the state Democratic Party from 1975 to 1977.

His political journey led to four successful election campaigns, per FOX News.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers emphasized Kohl's commitment to community, kindness, and service, acknowledging his positive impact on seniors, students, teachers, and various sectors.

Kohl's philanthropy extended to education, as he donated $25 million to the University of Wisconsin, contributing to the construction of the Kohl Center.

Additionally, he established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation with his personal fortune.

Remaining unmarried throughout his life, Kohl expressed that his single status was a conscious choice to ensure commitment to his responsibilities as a US Senator and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bucks Ownership and Legacy

In 1985, Kohl seized an opportunity for change by purchasing the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the team's owner.

He sold the franchise in 2014 for $550 million to New York hedge-fund investors Marc Lasry and Wes Edens, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

As part of the deal, Kohl pledged $100 million for the construction of the Fiserv Forum, the Bucks' new arena.

Kohl's ownership and commitment to keeping the team in Milwaukee were instrumental in the Bucks' success.

He witnessed the Bucks winning the NBA title in 2021, participating in the championship parade, and receiving a championship ring amid a standing ovation from fans.

For Kohl, the Bucks were not merely a financial investment but a contribution to the well-being of Milwaukee.

His dedication to the team reflected his belief that its loss would have been a significant blow to a community striving to recover from challenges.

"Milwaukee has been very, very good to me and to my family for many, many years," Kohl said. "I like it, and I'm comfortable here. Whenever I return, I feel like I'm home."

Kohl's legacy is deeply intertwined with his contributions to both the political arena and the world of sports, leaving an indelible mark on Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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