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Military Service: Navy

War(s) Served:  World War I

Born in Leeds, Wisconsin, OSCAR RENNEBOHM was ten when his family moved to Milwaukee. He graduated from the pharmacy course at the University of Wisconsin in 1911, after which he worked as a druggist and later purchased his own drug stores. During World War I, he attended officer candidate school and was commissioned an Ensign. He won election as Lieutenant Governor in 1944 and was reelected in 1946. When Governor Walter Goodland died shortly after his third term began, Rennebohm succeeded him, winning election to the governorship in his own right in 1948. During his tenure as governor, Rennebohm was active in educational reform. His administration also began a veterans' housing program financed by an increased liquor tax. He chose not to run again in 1950, retiring to his pharmaceutical interests. He was president of the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association, vice president of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and treasurer of the National Association of Retail Druggists. In 1952 he was appointed by Governor Walter Kohler to the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 4. Westport, CT: Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. H. New York: James T. White & Company.

WorldStatesmen.org