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Jeff Plale, former state legislator from South Milwaukee, dies at 54

Jeff Plale, a former state legislator who earned a reputation as a conservative Democrat and went on to gain an appointment from Republican Gov. Scott Walker, died Saturday after an extended illness.

Plale had been battling a lung infection that spread to other parts of his body and caused him to require medical attention and life support for the past several months, according to former Democratic assemblyman Josh Zepnick. Plale what 54.

Zepnick said Jeff Plale was an “old-soul” and well-liked figure in politics who enjoyed Chicago Cubs baseball, comedy, history and was “very proud of his Irish Catholic roots.”

“He had a huge network of friends.” Zepnick said “He was a big Don Rickles fan and probably known for just being somebody who really enjoyed life and didn’t always take it too seriously. He’ll be missed by a lot of people.”

Plale gained a reputation as a conservative Democrat during his tenure in the legislature according to Zepnick, who described his former colleague as a “pro-life Catholic Democrat,” who “always staunchly considered himself a Democrat.”

Plale served on the South Milwaukee Common Council from 1993 to 1996, according to the Wisconsin Blue Book.

He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, District 21, in March 1996 in a special election and re-elected in November 1996, serving until resigning in May when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, District 7, via special election. He served in the Senate until 2010.

The following year, former Gov. Scott Walker named Plale the administrator of the Division of State Facilities and railroad commissioner, a position in which he oversaw state railroad operations and safety issues.

Plale resigned from his post as commissioner in 2016 following a scandal at the department during his tenure.

A former investment agent, Plale was born in South Milwaukee on May 31, 1968. He graduated from South Milwaukee High School and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and public relations from Marquette University in 1990 and 1992, respectively.

Plale and his former wife, Elizabeth, had two children: Joey and Jack.

A supporter of various groups, Jeff Plale was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Community Fund, the Marquette University Alumni Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians, South Milwaukee Lions Club, the Democratic Leadership Council, American Legislative Exchange Council, Youth in Government and more, according to the Wisconsin Blue Book.

Plale received the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Working for Wisconsin Award in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004.

He was also the recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business Guardian of Small Business Awards in 1998.

No information on a memorial service for Plale was immediately available.

Plale’s death came one month to the day of the passing of his father, Donald Plale, on June 3. Donald Plale was 93. A memorial visitation and a service for Donald Plale is scheduled for July 10.

Donald Plale also graduated from Marquette University with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Everbrite in South Milwaukee, according to his obituary.

Contact Erik S. Hanley at [email protected]. Like his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter at @ES_Hanley.

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