State Representative Bob Gannon, R-West Bend, passed away last night from natural causes. Gannon was 58 years old. He was married with two children and was a prominent businessman in his community.
We have reaction from many of his colleagues in the Capitol:
Governor Scott Walker:
Tonette and I are saddened by the passing of Representative Bob Gannon. Our 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 and passion will be deeply missed.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos:
The Assembly family has lost an outspoken conservative who made the chamber and our caucus a livelier place. Bob will be remembered for his unwavering passion and unapologetic approach to politics. I’m especially proud of the work that he was doing as the chair of the new Assembly committee, the Committee on Urban Revitalization. He was dedicated to serving his constituents well and tackling important issues like poverty in Wisconsin.
Bob came from a large family with modest means. He worked hard becoming a successful business owner and community leader. Bob had a big heart and was extremely generous to local charities. He will be sorely missed in his community and in the legislature.
I would ask that you join me and my Assembly colleagues in praying for his wife Kris and his family.
Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Tyler August:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Bob Gannon this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Bob brought a zealous passion to the Capitol that will be missed. He was a true champion and advocate of the conservative movement. Bob’s candor and principled conviction will be missed in our caucuses. His loss will not only be felt by his colleagues at the Capitol, but also by those he represented so well.
Rep. Jesse Kremer:
I was deeply saddened to learn early this morning of Bob Gannon’s passing. While he and I may not always have seen eye-to-eye on how to achieve all of the conservative goals of Washington County constituents, Bob’s passion toward accomplishing those goals will be greatly missed. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends, and most especially to his wife, Kris.
Rep. John Nygren:
“I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Bob Gannon, who was not only a colleague, but a friend. Long before his time in the legislature, I knew Bob through his involvement with the West Bend Jaycees. Bob was active in his community prior to holding elected office as a member of the West Bend Rotary, West Bend Economic Development Corporation, and the Washington County Youth Hockey Association. Representative Gannon was an active member of the Still Waters United Methodist Church.”
“There is no doubt that the constituents of the 58th assembly district were served well by Representative Gannon. He brought intense passion and dedication to Madison and we will sorely miss him. My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Bob Gannon during this most difficult time.”
Senator Leah Vukmir:
My heart aches upon hearing the news of the death of my friend and colleague, Bob Gannon. Our state suffers a great loss with his passing.
Bob was a fierce and passionate voice in the state Legislature, fighting boldly to make Wisconsin a better and safer state. It was a privilege and joy to serve with him in the Capitol. He was always ready to brighten up a room with his sharp wit and humor. He will be missed.
My prayers go out for Bob’s wife, kids, family, friends and constituents during this very sad time.
Senator Duey Stroebel:
My wife, Laura, and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Kris and the rest of the Gannon family. Bob was a friend and colleague, who showed zeal for serving his community. Bob was committed to finding solutions to issues facing the urban areas of our state. Earlier this year, he held hearings in cities around Wisconsin talking to people facing poverty.
Bob wore his passion on his sleeve. Rarely did a room of constituents not know where Bob stood on any issue. Bob was not interested in being a politician. He went to Madison to do the right thing and came back to the district to serve his neighbors. Bob served God, his family and his neighbors in that order.
Bob “gave em’ heck” and all the mattered was improving the lives of Wisconsinites.
I will miss Bob’s jovial personality. There was not a day that Bob did not put a smile on someone’s face.
Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brad Courtney:
Bob Gannon was a principled conservative who was deeply dedicated to his constituents and making sure their voice was heard in Madison. He was a tireless advocate for the Party. I am thankful to have known him over the years and privileged to call him a friend. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
