Former Gov. Tony Earl dies at 86, Evers orders flags to half-staff

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former Gov. Tony Earl, who served as the state's 41st governor from 1983-1987, passed away Thursday at the age of 86. 

The former governor died after he was hospitalized at the University of Wisconsin Hospital after suffering a stroke this past weekend. 

Earl, a Democrat, severed one term and was most well known as an environmentalist and someone who championed for LGBTQ rights. 

Friends, colleagues, governors, former and current politicians all weighed in to celebrate Earl and honor his legacy.  

Gov. Tony Evers said he was heartbroken by the news and called Earl a "formidable leader" and "loyal friend."

"Tony was always a staunch defender of our state’s proud traditions, including conservation, and his passing is a significant loss for our state and for all who had the fortune of meeting and serving with him," Evers said in a statement. "His wisdom and wit will be well missed. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his daughters and his family during this tremendously difficult time."

Evers signed an executive order ordering flags to be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on March 3.

In 1982, Earl ran for governor when Lee S. Dreyfus unexpectedly declined to run for re-election. Prior to his bid, he was the head of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where he became a strong supporter of environmental issues. When he ran for governor, he touted his time as DNR head on the campaign trail and went on the defeat incumbent Gov. Martin Schreiber in the 1977 primary election. He then beat Republican candidate Terry Kohler in a landslide victory to become the 41st governor of Wisconsin. 

Two years later, Earl ran for U.S. Senate but lost to Herb Kohl in the Democratic primary.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI 2nd District), who volunteered on Earl's first campaign for governor when he was in high school, said the former governor helped him grow as a young Democrat in politics. 

"From the first day I met him, he was always the most gracious person, with the goal of cultivating a Democratic bench for the future," Pocan said. "Politics was never personal to him, and I’ve taken that lesson to heart. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family today.”

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) recalls working for Earl as an intern and called him a "shining example of what is good about government and the good that government can do, working with Republicans and Democrats to deliver for Wisconsinites."