MADISON, Wis. — Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl has passed away at the age of 86. The news comes after Earl suffered a stroke earlier this week and began receiving palliative care.
Earl was a Democrat who served one term as governor of Wisconsin, from 1983 to 1987. He championed gay rights and staunch environmentalism.
Tommy Thompson defeated Earl in the 1986 race. After his defeat, Earl decided to run for U.S. Senate in 1988.
He lost that race to Herb Kohl but went on to become a leading advocate for campaign and election finance reforms. He also championed environmental causes.
Earl was a Navy veteran and graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Chicago Law School.
Gov. Tony Evers issued a statement on Twitter, confirming Earl's passing. He said Earl spent his final days hospitalized and surrounded by his daughters and close family.
“It has been an extraordinary honor and a privilege to know former Gov. Earl, and Kathy and I are heartbroken today to announce his passing. A formidable leader and public servant, trusted colleague and mentor, and a good and loyal friend, Tony was well-liked and respected by so many. 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. 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, and we join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of former Gov. Earl.”
Evers ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff immediately to honor Earl.
Due to Earl's passing, there are now just five living former Wisconsin governors: Tommy Thompson, Scott Walker, Jim Doyle, Scott McCallum and Martin Schreiber.
Senator Tammy Baldwin issued a statement following the news.
“Governor Tony Earl was a mentor and friend to me, and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. From my time as his intern, through his later years, Governor Earl was always 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 and always putting people over politics. Governor Earl represented the best of the Wisconsin tradition, fighting for working families, advocating for the responsible stewardship of our waters, lands, and wildlife, and never wavering on his commitment to do right by his neighbors.”
Former Governor Tommy Thompson also issued a statement regarding Earl's passing.
Tony was a dear friend. Our 41st Governor was truly devoted to our beloved state. A gentleman first and always. As the sons of grocers who went on to become lawyers - and we both celebrated our Irish heritage - we had a common bond from the beginning. It wasn’t just the grocery business, our Irish heritage, or the law; it was a deep devotion to Wisconsin, it’s remarkable people and its natural assets. Tony loved everything about Wisconsin. I can still see that ever present bright Irish smile, even in the throws of disagreement, he was patient and kind. We both ran for Governor in 1986, but we didn’t run against each other. While a worthy adversary, we openly and vigorously discussed the issues facing our state and our vision for its future. I always knew Tony’s commitment to Wisconsin and he never questioned mine. We often joked that I thought he should have been a Republican and he was sure I should have been a Democrat. What we both were was Wisconsinites first and foremost. We’ve lost a giant who understood that to govern is a privilege that comes with burdens few will ever know. We owe a great debt to his life of public service. I will miss that smile and sparkle in his eye that often came with an offer for a “cold malted beverage. Godspeed my friend.
