MADISON (WKOW) -- Former Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager has died, according to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
The party's chair Martha Laning confirmed the news Saturday morning.
"Today we say farewell today to one of Wisconsin’s most dedicated grassroots progressives, for whom no work was too small or too big in her fight for justice, fairness and opportunity for all Wisconsinites," said Laning. "With great intellect, humor and compassion, Peg Lautenschlager served her neighbors, her home community of Fond du Lac and all of our state as our first woman to be elected Attorney General."
Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) also reacted to Lautenschlager's passing on Saturday.
“Apparently I knew Peg since I was a toddler, because she reminded me and everyone else in the room every single time we were together. As a friend, Peg always took the time to listen and provide feedback and was the same person in public as she was in private. Peg was so down-to-earth and real, it could be easy for some to overlook how brilliant she was. I will carry with me the lessons I learned from Peg throughout my career. Wisconsin has lost a giant and she will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to her family during this difficult time,” said Rep. Hintz.
Lautenschlager was the first woman District Attorney in Winnebago County. She was later appointed as the US Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin and served in the State Assembly from 1989 until 1993. Lautenschlager was elected as the first female Attorney General in Wisconsin history in 2002. In July 2016, she was appointed as the first commissioner of the newly formed Ethics Commission.
Attorney General Brad Schimel released the following statement after learning about Lautenschlager's passing.
“I did not know Peg well but many of the team members at the Wisconsin Department of Justice did, so I have learned more about her. Peg was passionate about her beliefs, cared deeply about her colleagues, and adored her family. I appreciate her many decades of public service and commitment to Wisconsin. She hired many of the fine public servants who now work at DOJ on behalf of the people of Wisconsin and her dedication lives on through their daily work," said Schimel. "My sympathies and prayers go out to Peg’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
Lautenschlager was 62 years old.