Jeff Plale Death – Jeff Plale, a former state lawmaker from South Milwaukee has died. Jeff Plale, a conservative Democrat who was appointed by Republican Governor Scott Walker, passed away on Saturday after a long battle with illness. He was 54 years old.
According to reports, Plale had been battling a lung infection that spread to other parts of his body which caused him to seek medical attention. Several months ago, he was placed on life support. Former Democratic assemblyman Josh Zepnick said Plale was an “old-soul” and prominent figure in politics who loved Chicago Cubs baseball, comedy, and history and was “very proud of his Irish Catholic roots.” During his time in the legislature, Plale earned a reputation as a conservative Democrat.
“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 served on the South Milwaukee Common Council from 1993 to 1996.
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. Plale and his former wife, Elizabeth, had two children: Joey and Jack.
Jeff Plale was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Community Fund, Marquette University Alumni Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians, South Milwaukee Lions Club, Democratic Leadership Council, American Legislative Exchange Council, Youth in Government, and more. In 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004, Plale won the Working for Wisconsin Award.
In 1998, he won the NFIC Guardian of Small Business Award. Plale’s memorial service was unknown. Plale died one month after his father, Donald, on June 3. 93-year-old Donald Plale Donald Plale’s memorial is on July 10. Donald Plale studied electrical engineering at Marquette. His obituary says he worked at South Milwaukee’s Everbrite.
