Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away on Wednesday at 88 after a brief illness, Herb Kohl Philanthropies announced. Known for his humility and dedication to people, Kohl left a lasting legacy in Wisconsin and beyond.

JoAnne Anton, director of giving at Herb Kohl Philanthropies, said Kohl’s life was defined by putting people first, from employees to charitable causes. She noted that “Herb Kohl Way,” a street named after him near the Fiserv Forum, symbolizes his commitment, kindness, and humility.

Kohl’s parents emigrated with nothing, inspiring his lifelong work ethic. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers called Kohl “nobody’s senator but ours,” praising his dedication to kids, communities, and the state. Former President Bill Clinton remembered Kohl as a kind and effective public servant and philanthropist. Senator Amy Klobuchar honored him as a generous mentor and fighter for Wisconsin.

After selling his family’s grocery chain Kohl’s to British American Tobacco in 1972, Kohl stayed on as a manager until 1979. He served four terms as a Democratic U.S. senator from 1989 to 2013. In 1985, he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks for $18 million, later selling the team in 2014 for $550 million, while ensuring it remained in Milwaukee and contributing $100 million toward the Fiserv Forum.

Kohl also donated $25 million for the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson praised Kohl’s genuine humility, noting he never showed pretense despite his success.