The Milwaukee Bucks organization, the basketball world, as well as the whole state of Wisconsin all faced some tragic news on Wednesday night after it was confirmed that former United States senator and ex-Bucks team owner Herb Kohl passed away at the age of 88.
Kohl, who served as a Democratic U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1989 to 2013, reportedly succumbed to an undisclosed illness.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Mourn Kohl’s Passing
Khol is an undeniably iconic figure for the Bucks. He owned the team from 1985 up to 2003 when he sold his stake to current owners Marc Larsy and Wes Edens.
His most significant contribution to the organization was when he ensured that the Bucks stayed in Milwaukee. This was one of his first orders of business when he took over in the mid-1980s, and his legacy has since lived on.
Bucks fans truly appreciate all that Kohl has done for the franchise, including the fact that Milwaukee still has an NBA team to this day because of him.
RIP Herb Kohl 🙏 Thank you for saving our Bucks https://t.co/q4IITUj2SJ pic.twitter.com/xQHVdvv91v
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) December 27, 2023
The, Bucks 🐐
RIP Herb Kohl 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/HTtd385JnE
— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) December 27, 2023
He made sure the Bucks stayed in Milwaukee. RIP Herb Kohl. https://t.co/0sWWI87hO3
— JWills (@itsjwills) December 27, 2023
Because of Herb Kohl, I am able to do things like this with my family! RIP Mr Kohl and thank you! Go @Bucks pic.twitter.com/rFrtJavlUf
— Will Haeflinger (@willhaeflinger) December 28, 2023
Herb Kohl is the reason we have the Bucks here in Milwaukee. I’m grateful for the impact he made across the state. We lost a true legend. RIP 🤍
— parLAY (@LaylaFreckmann) December 28, 2023
Other folks on Twitter decided to share their own personal experience with Khol as they talked about how this man had such a huge heart:
Herb Kohl saved the Milwaukee @Bucks a few times. He made Milwaukee a better place and exemplified philanthropy by helping many people in need. He was always very gracious & it was great chatting hoops with him occasionally when you'd run into him. A true MKE Legend. pic.twitter.com/4OHLIP3lWB
— Andy Gorzalski (@AndyGorzalski) December 27, 2023
Just heard the News about Herb Kohl. Worked with him for 14 years. He was the best Boss anyone could have, truly cared about his Employees and always wanted to do what was best for Milwaukee. Gave EVERY Bucks Employee a Cash Bonus the Day he sold the team. Glad I knew him.
— Ted Davis (@nbated) December 27, 2023
Herb Kohl was absolutely vital to Wisconsin sports. He was part of bringing the Brewers to town, helped fund the Fiserv Forum AFTER selling the Bucks, and donated $25 million to University of Wisconsin for construction of the Kohl Center. Legend. pic.twitter.com/CLgBssMWFB
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) December 27, 2023
So sad to learn of the passing of Sen. Herb Kohl. He did so much for Wisconsin. His legacy will live on with the Kohl Center and the Fiserv Forum. He saved the Milwaukee Bucks and then insured their success for generations to come. Tonette and I send our prayers to his family.
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) December 27, 2023
Despite the fact that Kohl sold his ownership stake back in 2014, the team still made sure that he was going to be part of their championship parade in 2021. After all, it’s hard to argue against the notion that the Bucks probably would not have won that chip had it not been for Kohl’s contributions to the organization.
This just goes to show how much love and admiration the team, the city, and the fans have for this man.
The last time we talked with former Sen. Herb Kohl was in the summer of 2021 just as the Milwaukee Bucks championship parade kicked off
"This is one of the big days in my life," he said
Today the Herb Kohl Foundation announced Kohl passed away at the age of 88 pic.twitter.com/qwCd6rH7Tg
— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) December 27, 2023
Herb Kohl owned the #Bucks for decades. And although he sold the team the new owners let him lead the 2021 championship parade
Because without him Milwaukee would not have an NBA team pic.twitter.com/d2CYsvNDsB
— Ricardo🇨🇺 🇵🇷Torres Ⓜ️ (@RicoReporting) December 27, 2023
Herb Kohl may have passed away but it is clear that the legacy he has left behind will span for decades to come.
RIP to this legend.
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