Oscar Rennebohm

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 ascended to 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
Lieutenant	George M. Smith
Preceded by	Walter S. Goodland
Succeeded by	Walter J. Kohler Jr.
30th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
In office January 4, 1943 – March 12, 1947
Governor	Walter S. Goodland
Preceded by	Walter S. Goodland
Succeeded by	George M. Smith
Personal details
Born	May 25, 1889 Leeds, Columbia County, Wisconsin
Died	October 15, 1968 (aged 79) Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Forest Hill Cemetery Madison, Wisconsin
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Mary Fowler Rennebohm
Children	Carol Ann Rennebohm
Parents	William Carl Rennebohm Julia Brandt Rennebohm
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin
Profession	Pharmacist Politician
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy
Rank	Ensign
Battles/wars	World War I

Early life

Born in Leeds, Wisconsin, in Columbia County,[1] Rennebohm moved with his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he was ten. 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. 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

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

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.[2] 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.[3]

Death

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

Family life

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

References

1. "May 25". Wisconsin History Day By Day. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
2. The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Renate to Requa
3. "New pharmacy building opens". University of Wisconsin–Madison. September 18, 2001. Retrieved November 3, 2020.

External links

• Oscar Rennebohm at Find a Grave