Former Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl Dies At 86 After Stroke

WISCONSIN — Former Democrat Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl, who was in office from 1983-1987, died on Thursday at the age of 86, the governor's office announced.

Earl, the 41st governor of the Badger State, suffered a stroke over the weekend and was hospitalized before passing. Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags across the state to half-staff immediately in the wake of the former governor's death.

Evers lauded the late Earl as "a formidable leader and public servant, trusted colleague and mentor, and a good and loyal friend" known for his work on conservation, promotion of diversity and inclusion, and being a critic of polarization and money in politics.

"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," wrote Evers in a release. "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.”

In a statement, Earl's four daughters said their father "would have been honored by the outpouring of gratitude expressed by all. He would encourage anyone he knew to actively engage in positive change."

Earl lost his bid for a second term to Tommy Thompson. Beyond his work for Wisconsin, he was a Navy veteran and graduated from Michigan State University and Chicago Law School. Earl also had a career in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1969-1974.