WAUKESHA, Wis. — Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow died Tuesday following a battle with cancer. He was 61.
As tributes pour in from across Wisconsin, those who knew Farrow are remembering a public servant, mentor, and friend who spent decades serving others.
Tyler Pudleiner of Waukesha first met Farrow while working on District Attorney Leslie Boese's 2024 campaign.
"He gave so much back to our community," Pudleiner said. "I said he epitomized what it meant to be Waukesha. Strong, especially after the parade attack in 2021."
Pudleiner said Farrow cared deeply about the next generation, regardless of political beliefs.
"He really cared about the future generation, too," Pudleiner said. "No matter what you believed or what side of the ball you were on, to really go after it."
Following in the footsteps of his mother, who became Wisconsin's first female lieutenant governor, Farrow spent decades in public service.
He served in the Wisconsin Assembly and state Senate before being elected Waukesha County executive in 2015. He was reelected in 2019 and 2023 and chaired the Republican Party of Wisconsin from 2021 to 2022.
Watch: Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow dies after battle with cancer
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Farrow also helped him during his start in politics decades earlier.
"In the early '90s, Paul and Peter and those guys actually helped me with printing when I was running for state Assembly," Walker smiled.
Walker's connection to the Farrow family dates back to college, when he said he knocked on doors for Farrow's mother, Margaret Farrow, as she ran for state Senate.
Walker described Farrow as "upbeat, optimistic, always having a good time, even when he took things seriously."
In 2024, Farrow was diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare type of cancer. He publicly documented his treatment in hopes of helping others battling the disease.
"He didn't hide. He didn't retreat," Walker said. "This is what I'm doing. This is what I'm going through. Hopefully, it encouraged people to get checked out early."
Pudleiner said watching Farrow continue working during his cancer battle was inspiring.
"To still go out and work every day and fight for our community, it was inspiring to see," Pudleiner said.
Walker remembered Farrow as a "great friend, great father, great grandfather."
Watch: Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow dies after battle with cancer
At this time, details of a celebration of life have not been announced.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of County Executive Farrow. Paul was a devoted public servant, a steady leader, and a proud champion for Waukesha County. He led with conviction and cared deeply about this community. On behalf of the County Board, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Amy and the Farrow family, his friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” County Board Chairman Jim Heinrich said.
Chairman Heinrich will serve as Acting County Executive and assume Executive Farrow’s duties. Within 30 days, the County Board will confirm the appointment of an Interim Executive.
A countywide special election will be held to determine who will serve out the remaining months of Farrow’s term.
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