Oscar Rennebohm (May 25, 1889 – October 15, 1968) was an American politician, a pharmacist, and the 32nd Governor of Wisconsin. He previously served as lieutenant governor and assumed the office of governor in 1947 on the death of Governor Walter S. Goodland.

Oscar Rennebohm
32nd Governor of Wisconsin
In office
March 12, 1947 – January 1, 1951
LieutenantGeorge M. Smith
Preceded byWalter S. Goodland
Succeeded byWalter J. Kohler Jr.
30th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
In office
January 4, 1943 – March 12, 1947
GovernorWalter S. Goodland
Preceded byWalter S. Goodland
Succeeded byGeorge M. Smith
Personal details
Born(1889-05-25)May 25, 1889
Leeds, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedOctober 15, 1968(1968-10-15) (aged 79)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting placeForest Hill Cemetery
Madison, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
SpouseMary Fowler Rennebohm
ChildrenCarol Ann Rennebohm
Parent(s)William Carl Rennebohm
Julia Brandt Rennebohm
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin
ProfessionPharmacist
Politician
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
RankEnsign
Battles/warsWorld War I

Early life

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Born in Leeds, Wisconsin, in Columbia County,[1][2] Rennebohm moved with his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he was ten.[1] He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1911, after which he worked as a pharmacist and, in 1912, he founded Rennebohm Drug Stores under a Rexall franchise.[1] He was vice-president of the American Pharmaceutical Association, president of the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association and a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin.

Career

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During World War I, he attended officer candidate school and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.[1]

In 1945, Rennebohm was elected the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. When Governor Walter Goodland died shortly after his third term began, Rennebohm succeeded him, winning election to the governorship in 1948.[3] During his tenure as governor, Rennebohm began a veterans' housing program financed by an increased liquor tax. In 1949, he founded the Rennebohm Foundation, which supports education in the Madison area. The school of pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is named after Rennebohm.[4] Additionally, Rennebohm Park, located near the Hill Farms area, is also named after Rennebohm.[5]

Death

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Rennebohm's grave at Forest Hill Cemetery

Rennebohm retired and died in Madison, Wisconsin, on October 15, 1968 (age 79 years, 143 days).[1] He is interred at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Wisconsin.[6]

Family life

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Son of William Carl and Julia Brandt Rennebohm, he married Mary Fowler on September 8, 1920, and they had one daughter, Carol Ann.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Oscar Rennebohm, 79, State, Civic Leader, Dies". Wisconsin State Journal. Madison, WI. October 16, 1968. pp. 1, 4. Retrieved July 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  2. ^ "May 25". Wisconsin History Day By Day. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  3. ^ The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Renate to Requa
  4. ^ "New pharmacy building opens". University of Wisconsin–Madison. September 18, 2001. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  5. ^ "Park visionaries | The Madison Parks Foundation". madisonparksfoundation.org. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  6. ^ "Oscar Rennebohm Services Set Thursday Afternoon". The Capital Times. Madison, WI. October 16, 1968. pp. 1, 4. Retrieved July 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
1944, 1946
Succeeded by
Republican nominee for Governor of Wisconsin
1948
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
1945–1947
Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Wisconsin
1947–1951
Succeeded by