Gaylord Nelson

A Senator from Wisconsin. Born in Clear Lake, Polk County, Wis. , June 4, 1916. Attended the public schools of Clear Lake. Graduated from the San Jose (Calif. ) State College in 1939 and from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1942. Admitted to the Wisconsin bar the same year. During the Second World War served as a lieutenant in the United States Army for four years, serving overseas in the Okinawa campaign. Engaged in the practice of law in Madison, Wis. , in 1946. Elected to the State senate in 1948, 1952, and 1956, and served as Democratic floor leader for four years. Governor of Wisconsin 1959-1962. Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in November 1962 for the term commencing January 3, 1963. Subsequently served out his term as Governor until January 7, 1963, and commenced his term in the Senate on January 8, 1963. Reelected in 1968 and 1974 and served from January 8, 1963, to January 3, 1981. Unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1980. Chairman, Select Committee on Small Business (Ninety-third through Ninety-sixth Congresses), Special Committee on Official Conduct (Ninety-fifth Congress). Founder of Earth Day 1970. Counselor, The Wilderness Society, Washington, D. C. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on September 29, 1995. Was a resident of Kensington, Md. , until his death due to cardiovascular failure on July 3, 2005. Remains cremated and buried in family plot in Clear Lake, Wisconsin.