This is a bummer....Lee was Highly thought of
Former Wisconsin Gov. Lee Dreyfus Dies
Doyle Orders Flags To Half-Staff
UPDATED: 7:01 pm CST January 3, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- Former Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus has died. He was 81.
His son, Lee Dreyfus Jr., said his dad died peacefully at home in Waukesha Wednesday night while watching television.
The former governor was elected in 1978, upsetting Rep. Bob Kasten in the Republican primary and then defeating acting Gov. Martin Schreiber in the general election.
He served one four-year term.
Friends of Lee Dreyfus Sr. said he was a man who knew what he wanted to accomplish in life -- and rarely failed. And what a life he's had -- from broadcast pioneer, to chancellor at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and then to governor. His accomplishments have been impressive and have spanned the Badger State.
He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee and earned his undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees at UW-Madison. He also served in the Navy during World War II.
In 2006, Dreyfus Sr. spoke about his induction into the Wisconsin Broadcaster's Hall of Fame. The UW-Madison grad was first well known for his passion for broadcasting and communication.
"It was the beginning of a period of real experimentation in the educational and public field, and I was fortunate enough to be there at that time," Dreyfus Sr. said in a 2006 interview.
Dreyfus Sr. was a speech professor at UW-Madison, and he eventually helped start the statewide public television system.
"He was a great communicator," said Art Hove, a friend of Dreyfus Sr. and former editor for the UW Alumni Magazine. "He's somebody who could reach the people in a very special way."
In 1967, Dreyfus Sr. made his way to UW-Stevens Point, where he became president and then chancellor of the campus. His wife, Joyce, went back to school there, and Dreyfus Sr. signed her diploma.
"I stopped the commencement and said, 'It took her 25 years to get this degree, and she had to sleep with the chancellor!'" Dreyfus Sr. said in 2006. "Well, they gave her a big cheer -- then she hit me with the diploma, and they gave her another cheer."
That sense of humor and his ability to communicate with people led to his run for governor. Friend and former campaign manager Bill Kraus said Dreyfus Sr.'s energy, and his familiar red vest, captivated Wisconsin.
Dreyfus Sr. began wearing a trademark red vest when he was at Stevens Point because it was easy for students to recognize him.
"He was a terrific candidate. He loved campaigning; he loved people and it showed, and they (citizens) responded to it," Kraus said. "Governorship didn't change him at all. What you saw is what you got."
Kraus said family came first to Dreyfus Sr. and that's why he didn't run for a second term. But his accomplishments didn't stop there. He became president of Sentry Insurance, was a member of the UW Board of Regents and was state superintendent of public instruction. Dreyfus rarely failed at all he set out to do, and friends said that's what they'll miss the most.
"His time had come, and he knew it," Kraus said. "He went peacefully at home. That was very important, that he stay home."
Dreyfus Sr. moved to Waukesha in 1986 where his son, Lee Dreyfus Jr., lives.
He's survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Susan, in Waukesha and his daughter, Susan Fosdick, and her husband, James, in Eagle River, as well as six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral plans are pending.
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations of the state of Wisconsin until sunset on the day of Dreyfus Sr.'s funeral.
"Gov. Dreyfus served our state with honor and was highly respected on both sides of the aisle for his direct character and tireless work on behalf of Wisconsin. I knew him -- and his wonderful wife, Joyce -- well. He was a fine person and will be remembered fondly," U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl said in a written statement.
"Lee Dreyfus was one of a kind -- one of Wisconsin's unique personalities. He was both a wonderful governor and education leader. He led us, educated us, entertained us, all at the same time. He showed us that politics do not have to be harsh or overly partisan," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a news release.
"What a loss for Wisconsin. Governor Dreyfus was a great, great man who could light up an entire arena with his personality. He was quick with a note of encouragement and was a mentor to many," Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker said in a news release.
"From the trademark red vest to his off-the-cuff style on the stump, Gov. Dreyfus was a progressive thinker who brought groundbreaking equal rights legislation and effective populist governing to the people of Wisconsin," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said in a written statement.
"Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus' strong, charismatic leadership made him popular, and his broad bipartisan appeal remains his legacy. His affable nature was well known, yet he was never afraid to speak out for what he believed. Dreyfus cared deeply for the people of Wisconsin and continued to promote issues he believed in well after leaving office," Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus said in a written statement.
"The loss of Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus will be felt far and wide. Although I did not have the opportunity to work with him directly, I have kept in touch with his family and know he was a great man. Many will miss Governor Dreyfus’s humanistic approach to government and his sense of humor," Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway said in a news release.
"Lee Dreyfus epitomized public service and dedicated his life to making Wisconsin better. He wore his love of Wisconsin proudly on his chest every day with his Badger red vest," former Gov. Tommy Thompson said.
"We will all miss his clear, reasoned voice articulating a vision that brought us together for a better Wisconsin," Wisconsin state Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said.
"Over many years, he used his intelligence, creativity and boundless energy for the betterment of our state. He was an authentic superstar and the very embodiment of charisma," Supreme Court Justice David Prosser said.
"He had a great gift of gab. He had a great ability to communicate verbally. I can't think of anyone who had his ability to communicate verbally," state Senate President Fred Risser said.
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