Wisconsin Governors Past, Present Gather For Lucey’s Funeral

Doyle: 'He Was Like An Uncle To Me'

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Wisconsin governors past and present gathered in Milwaukee on Monday for the funeral of Gov. Patrick Lucey, who died earlier this month at age 96.

Family members told an audience of about 250 people of Lucey’s love of politics, John and Robert Kennedy, poetry, and the Catholic faith. In addition to family, at least five of the men who have succeeded Lucey in the governor’s chair were in attendance. Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson told reporters that Lucey helped revitalize the state Democratic Party.

“He was able to become the chairman of the Democratic Party, build a tremendous organization – much to my chagrin and all Republicans – but he was also able to reach out,” said Thompson.

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Thompson says after he left office, he and Lucey became friends, and the two men visited with each other about three months ago.

Former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle also talked to reporters about Lucey, who was a longtime family friend.

“The thing about Pat Lucey was, as great a political leader as he was, he was even a better man,” said Doyle. “He was just a wonderful man of great humor, great warmth – just a dear man. He was like an uncle to me.”

Former Democratic Gov. Martin Schreiber says Lucey was like a father to him. Current Gov. Scott Walker and former Republican Gov. Scott McCallum also attended the funeral.

Lucey was buried this afternoon at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.