MADISON, Wis. — The 41st governor of Wisconsin passed away Thursday morning.
Gov. Tony Evers announced former Gov. Tony Earl died at the age of 86 after suffering a stroke this past weekend. Earl was hospitalized and spent his remaining days with his family and loved ones.
Evers signed an executive order Thursday ordering U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff effective immediately to honor Earl.
“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,” Evers said. “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.”
Earl served as governor from 1983 to 1987. Evers said the former governor was known for many things, including his championship for the environment and leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites, women and communities of color.
A Navy veteran and graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Chicago Law School, he served as an assistant district attorney in Marathon County from 1965 to 1966 and as the Wausau City Attorney from 1966 to 1969. In October 1969, Earl was elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly via special election and was reelected in 1970 and 1972.
While in the Wisconsin State Assembly, he served as majority leader through December 1974. He later served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration from 1974 to 1975 and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from 1975 to 1980.
Earl is survived by his four daughters, Julia Earl, Anne Earl, Maggie Earl Shore and Kitty Earl-Torniainen, as well as 11 grandkids: Lucy, Eamon, Jack, Ben, Ash, Henry, Deirdre, Will, Silja, Aili and Kai.
“The family is tremendously grateful for the love and support we’ve received,” Earl’s four daughters said in a statement. “Our dad would have been honored by the outpouring of gratitude expressed by all. He would encourage anyone he knew to actively engage in positive change.”
Details for the celebration of Earl’s life will be released by his family at a later date.
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