Herb Kohl, former Bucks owner and US senator, dies at age 88

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Former US Senator Herb Kohl -who for decades championed the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin through a decades-long career in business, philanthropy, sports, and public service- has died.

The Herb Kohl Foundation announced the death Wednesday, Dec. 27, saying Kohl passed away after a brief illness at the age of 88.

"Throughout his life, Herb Kohl always put people first-from his employees and their families to his customers and countless charitable organizations and efforts," Joanne Anton, director of giving for Herb Kohl Philanthropies, recalled. "Herb Kohl Way isn’t just the name of a street in front of the Fiserv Forum. The Herb Kohl Way perfectly sums up a legacy of humility, commitment, compromise, and kindness to countless people he worked with, served and helped along the way. Those values will live on through his Foundation."

Friends and colleagues we spoke with struggled to point to one singular thing Kohl will be remembered for, because he seemed to touch so many lives in so many ways.

He expanded his family's business empire, owned the Bucks and kept them in Milwaukee, donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charitable causes, and served his country in the Army Reserve and later the US Senate.

Kohl advocated for his hometown of Milwaukee and the state as a whole for nearly all of his 88 years, according to those that knew him best.

Former Brewers owner and baseball commissioner Bud Selig told us Wednesday evening, "You won't find many stories like this one."

Selig estimated he and Kohl were friends for 82 years. They grew up together in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood, were grade school and high school classmates, then college roommates at the University of Wisconsin.

Selig said, "I don't know that I've ever seen anybody devote themselves more to the welfare of the city and the state than Herb Kohl did."

Herb Kohl's career began in the family business with the Kohl's grocery stores. In 1970 he was named president of the company and eventually expanded the empire to include a national department store chain.

In 1985 he bought the Milwaukee Bucks, promising to always keep the team in Milwaukee.

Then in 1988 he shifted to public service, launching a campaign for the US Senate. He won, and ultimately served four terms before retiring in 2012.

Ellen Gilligan, the president & CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, said, "He was not in it for fame or glory or power, he was in it to serve the people he loved."

In 2014, Kohl sold the Bucks to a group of investors led by the Lasry family.

Former Bucks owner Alex Lasry told us Wednesday night, "The Senator was a giant, and one of the greatest people, and a force for good his entire life."

At the time of the sale, Kohl donated $100 million to help build Fiserv Forum, again ensuring the Bucks would remain in Milwaukee. A championship soon followed.

Throughout his life, Kohl donated millions of dollars to causes far and wide. He was recognized as one of the country's leading philanthropists.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said Wednesday, "Herb will be remembered for his friendliness, as well as his generosity."

And while the amounts Kohl donated were sometime record-breaking, that's not what impressed those who worked with him.

Gilligan, of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, said, "It was, I think, the focus on what would make a lasting difference in people's lives?"

Right now there is no word on when funeral services will be held or what they will look like.

Numerous people and organizations have released statements regarding Herb Kohl's passing.

Sen. Lena Taylor said in a statement: "Today, we have lost an incredible Wisconsin champion. However, his contributions will far exceed his 88 years of life. Most of us have a connection, story, or have been positively impacted by his work and contributions. I think most would agree that Senator Kohl left one heck of a legacy and blueprint for success. I wish to offer my condolences to his family, friends, and community that loved him." 

Congresswoman Gwen Moore said in a statement: "I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Kohl. His service and dedication to Wisconsin left an indelible impact on our state. He was an incredibly giving person and as Senator, he championed the needs of children and families, including expanding access to affordable health care and our public schools.

I send my condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed by many but will continue to serve as a model for what it means to be a tireless and courageous public servant.”