Former Wisconsin State Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen, a trailblazing legislator and dedicated public servant, will be honored on December 2, 2024, as Gov. Tony Evers has signed Executive Order #245 to lower flags to half-staff in her memory. Nelsen, who passed away at the age of 89, was the first woman to serve as minority leader in the history of the state legislature.
During her six terms in the Wisconsin State Legislature from 1979 to 1990, Nelsen represented different assembly districts and served on influential committees such as the Joint Committee on Finance and the Joint Committee on Employment Relations. She also went on to serve in President George H.W. Bush’s administration, demonstrating her commitment to public service at both the state and federal levels.
In addition to her political career, Nelsen was involved in various community organizations and boards, including Future Milwaukee, United Community Services, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Her dedication to serving others extended beyond her work in politics to her involvement in community leadership roles.
Services to honor Nelsen will be held on December 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. Executive Order #245 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on that day. Gov. Evers expressed his condolences to Nelsen’s family and praised her legacy as a pioneer in Wisconsin politics.
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