Rep. Bob Gannon, R-West Bend, passed away from natural causes Tuesday night at the age of 58.
The Allenton Fire and Rescue responded to a 911 call around 9 p.m. at Gonring Boat Launch in West Bend, where they found an unresponsive male behind the wheel of a pick-up. The man was later identified as Gannon.
Gannon leaves behind a wife, Kris, and two children.
He began his political career in 2014 as a state lawmaker after actively involving himself in his community. He held a place on the boards of two local organizations — Family Promise and the Washington County Youth Hockey League. Family Promise is a nationwide nonprofit organization helping families who have lost their homes and has
Gannon’s fervor and passion towards serving his community extended into his work as a representative, his colleagues said. Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brad Courtney was among those who publicly mourned the loss of Gannon.
“Bob Gannon was a principled conservative who was deeply dedicated to his constituents and making sure their voice was heard in Madison,” Courtney said in a press release Wednesday.
Many politicians released statements Wednesday expressing their respect for Gannon, mentioning his reputation for being an untraditional politician. Most notably in 2016, Gannon engaged then-Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, in a heated debate before making an obscene gesture towards Barca.
Fellow politician state Sen. Duey Stroebel, R-Cedarburg, said in a press release that Gannon was not interested in the political game, but in doing the right thing to best serve and provide for his neighbors.
Gov. Scott Walker also shared his thoughts and prayers for Gannon’s family, stating his family’s “hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Kris, and their children as we mourn the loss of a devoted husband, father, friend, and public servant. Bob’s energy will be deeply missed.”
Gannon’s funeral date and times have not yet been announced.
