Why are the flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin this Saturday?

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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A flag is seen at half-staff at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Flags often fly at half-staff to honor at national tragedy, holiday, or the death of a government official, military member, or first responder.
A flag is seen at half-staff at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Flags often fly at half-staff to honor at national tragedy, holiday, or the death of a government official, military member, or first responder.
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This Saturday, you may notice American and State of Wisconsin flags flying at half-staff around the state.

The gesture will honor a former Wisconsin State Representative who died earlier this month.

Here's what to know.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin today?

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #215 ordering American flags and the Wisconsin state flag to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Oct. 28, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. John Klenke, who died on Oct. 10, 2023, at age 65.

"Representative Klenke is remembered for his conviction, generosity and dedication to serving his community," Evers said in a statement. "In the wake of his passing, (my wife) Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues during this difficult time."

Klenke, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010 to represent the 88th Assembly District. According to the statement from Evers' office, during Klenke's time in the assembly, he served on the Joint Committee on Finance and as vice-chairperson of the Energy and Utilities Committee. He was re-elected in 2012 and did not seek re-election in 2014.

Klenke was born and raised in Green Bay and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. Prior to his time in public office, he worked at the Schneider National trucking company for over two decades, serving as the treasurer, vice president of corporate strategy, division president and director of corporate tax.

Klenke is survived by his wife Charlotte, six children, 15 grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Services for Klenke will take place on Oct. 26 in Auburn, Ala., and he will be buried on Oct. 28 in Mobile, Ala.

Chaplain Schuyler, of VFW Post 2260 in Oconomowoc, raises the flag from half-staff during the Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony at La Belle Cemetery on Monday, May 25, 2020.
Chaplain Schuyler, of VFW Post 2260 in Oconomowoc, raises the flag from half-staff during the Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony at La Belle Cemetery on Monday, May 25, 2020.

How long will the flags be at half-staff?

Flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Oct. 28, per Evers' Executive Order #215.

Where do flags fly at half-staff?

Evers ordered that, on Oct. 28, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the State of Wisconsin.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

Most often, it marks:

  • The death of a government official, military member or first responder.

  • A national tragedy.

  • Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin today?