Roger Breske

Roger M. Breske (November 8, 1938 – April 3, 2012) was an American businessman and Democratic politician from Shawano County, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin Senate from 1990 through 2008, representing the 12th district. He then served two years as Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner.

Biography Roger Breske was born November 8, 1938, in Elderon, Wisconsin, in eastern Marathon County. As a child, he attended school in the neighboring community of Wittenberg, Wisconsin, in Shawano County, and graduated from Wittenberg High School. As a young man, he served in the United States Army Reserve. He became the owner of a tavern and restaurant known as "Breske's Bar", which he operated for more than 20 years.

In 1990, Wisconsin state senator Lloyd H. Kincaid announced he would retire due to poor health before the end of his term, necessitating a special election that fall. Breske entered the race for the Democratic Party nomination, and prevailed in the crowded five-person primary, receiving 39% of the vote. Breske went on to win a close victory over his Republican opponent in the special election, which coincided with the November 6, 1990, general election. The following Spring, Doyle appointed Breske to serve as Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner. Breske accepted the appointment and resigned from the Senate in June 2008.

Breske served until the end of his term, which ended on March 1, 2011, and did not seek re-appointment from the new Republican governor Scott Walker.

Breske died less than a year later, suffering a heart attack in his home on April 3, 2012.

Personal life and family Roger Breske married Karen Woznicki at St. Florian Catholic Church, in Hatley, Wisconsin, on April 25, 1959. They had four children together and were married for 53 years.

Electoral history Wisconsin Senate (1990–2004) Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality 1990 Primary Democratic 11,601 70.67% Dem. 4,815 29.33% 16,416 6,786 General Democratic 39,282 52.34% Rep. 35,765 47.66% 75,047 3,517 1996 General Democratic 40,220 57.41% Rep. 29,838 42.59% 70,058 10,382 2000 General Democratic 55,692 88.34% Lib. 7,278 11.54% 63,045 48,414 2004 General Democratic 47,287 53.47% Rep. 41,119 46.49% 88,444 6,168