Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Former Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl died December 27, 2023, at the age of 88. Kohl was a staunch supporter of public education in Wisconsin, founding and funding many efforts to bolster public schools, students, and educators.
Statement from Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
“I am devastated to hear of the passing of our champion for public education and school kids, Sen. Herb Kohl. Not only a senator, but also a successful businessman, philanthropist, sports leader, and a community stalwart, Herb was the very best friend to Wisconsin’s schools, educators, and kids. He supported our Teachers of the Year program, and multiple times funded entire slates of teachers’ back-to-school wish lists. Sen. Kohl supported healthy kids, as one of our nation's top advocates for kids getting breakfast and lunch at school. Through fellowships, internships, scholarships, and awards, he funded and supported countless peoples’ education. And at every event I ever attended with him, he took time to meet every kid and parent, and to thank every teacher and principal.
"As a graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools and UW-Madison, and as a champion for our democracy, today we've lost one of the very best – a true mensch. I wish my best to his entire family, and I thank them for sharing him with all of us.”
Sarah Kopplin, seventh-grade civics teacher and 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
"Just the ability for him to see how important it is for students and educators to be cared for and loved and supported and recognize how important education is in the future of Wisconsin and our country, I think that we'll never forget him. He was an exceptional person."
Kaelee Heideman, counselor at Carl Traeger Elementary in Oshkosh and 2023 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year
"Senator Kohl was truly a champion of public education and he believed in it."
JoAnne Anton, director of giving for Herb Kohl Philanthropies
"Throughout his life, Herb Kohl always put people first — from his employees and their families to his customers and countless charitable organizations and efforts.”
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is grateful for the light Senator Kohl shone on issues of education in our state. Public education in Wisconsin is stronger because of his life and legacy of giving.