Congress and the professional basketball world lost a notable figure last week. 

According to the Daily Caller, former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl passed away at age 88. Kohl was also the ex-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise and the co-founder of Kohl's department stores.

Herb Kohl Philanthropies, his philanthropic organization, confirmed his death in a touching statement.

"More than anything, Herb loved Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and that is where he chose to live out his days," the statement read.

It added, "He touched an incalculable number of lives, and those who love him would remark that he is among the most decent people to ever walk the earth."

Herb Kohl, co-founder of Kohl's, a former Democratic U.S. senator from Wisconsin and former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, has died. He was 88. https://t.co/IHAtv8qv14 pic.twitter.com/zm8B4eQMPC

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 28, 2023

The Daily Caller noted:

From Wisconsin, Kohl was a senator representing the Democrat Party and held his position from 1989-2013. In 1985, he bought the Bucks for $18 million, eventually selling it in 2014 for $550 million to Marc Lasry and Wes Edens.

Given his public service in the Senate and various other positions, Kohl was remembered by some of the biggest names in the Democratic Party, including President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton.

"Herb Kohl was a great public servant who cared deeply about the people of Wisconsin and their future. He was a kind man, an effective senator, a dedicated NBA team owner, and a generous philanthropist. I’ll always be grateful to have the chance to know him and work closely with him," Clinton wrote.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote, "Herb Kohl was that amazing combination of thoughtful, kind, effective, down-to-Earth, and incisive. He was a great friend of mine from the day I entered the Senate. My thoughts are with Herb’s family and loved ones."

"Herb Kohl was one of the finest people I’ve served with – a kind and principled man of integrity and character, one of Wisconsin’s greatest-ever advocates, and a dear friend," President Biden's statement read.

The Daily Caller added:

Kohl originally got into politics back in the 1970s, serving as Wisconsin’s state Democratic Party chair from 1975-77. He also served as the Special Committee on Aging chair, as well as the Committee on the Judiciary vice chairman. During his run as a politician, he was victorious in four elections.

Even many Republicans offered their condolences upon hearing of Kohl's passing.

"So sad to learn of the passing of Sen. Herb Kohl. He did so much for Wisconsin. His legacy will live on with the Kohl Center and the Fiserv Forum. He saved the Milwaukee Bucks and then insured their success for generations to come. Tonette and I send our prayers to his family," former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) wrote.