Herbert H. Kohl, a Wisconsin Democrat who served as a United States senator for four terms, died on Wednesday at the age of 88. His death was announced by the Herb Kohl Foundation, his nonprofit organization. Kohl was known for his strong ties to Milwaukee, where he grew up and had made a substantial impact both in business and as the owner of the National Basketball Association’s Milwaukee Bucks.

Herbert Kohl was the son of Maxwell Kohl, who immigrated to Milwaukee from Poland and Russia and opened a corner grocery store there in 1927. He went on to build a successful empire of Kohl’s stores, which quickly became known around the Upper Midwest area. Kohl himself served as the president of the Kohl Corporation from 1970 to 1979.

In addition to his business endeavors, Kohl was deeply involved in politics, serving eventually as a United States senator from 1989 to 2013. He supported various social and financial programs, advocated for balanced budgets, and worked to limit government spending.

In addition to his political and business contributions, Kohl was also known for his philanthropy. He made significant donations to the University of Wisconsin for the construction of the Kohl Center and founded an educational foundation that provides grants to graduating seniors and teachers in Wisconsin high schools.

At the time of his passing, Kohl was Milwaukee’s wealthiest resident and one of the Senate’s richest members.