Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl, 86, dies

Gov. Tony Evers today announced the passing of former Gov. Tony Earl, the 41st governor of the state of Wisconsin, according to a news release. After suffering a stroke this past weekend, Gov. Earl was hospitalized, and he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thurs., Feb. 23, at the age of 86.

Gov. Evers today also signed Executive Order No. 187 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff effective immediately as the state of Wisconsin honors former Gov. Earl’s service and contributions to the state.

Former Gov. Earl’s legacy is marked by his devout support of stewardship and conservation during his time both as governor and as secretary of the DNR. In addition to serving on several boards and commissions, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Subcommittee on Energy, Clean Air and Climate Change, the Center for Clean Air Policy, and the Great Lakes Protection Fund, in 2019, Gov. Earl was honored with the renaming of the Peshtigo River State Forest as the “Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest.”