Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave dies suddenly, shocking community

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, who has been in county government since 2003, died suddenly Friday at age 51.

Delagrave started his time with the county in 2003 in the Human Services Department eventually becoming director in 2010. He was elected Racine County executive in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

Racine County Board President Tom Kramer said Delagrave’s unexpected death surprised the community.

“He was always forward thinking looking five, 10 years down the road, as to what the needs of the county are,” Kramer said. “He touched a lot of people’s lives.”

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Kramer recalls Delagrave often saying the county has given him more than he’s given to the county.

“Well, the county really got more than it gave him,” Kramer said. “He always thought the county was very good to him. And Racine County and its residents, gave a lot and got a lot back from him.”

Per local statute, Kramer will be acting county executive until a new person is elected in a special election.

Kramer said Delagrave was elected in the then-Town of Caledonia in the 1990s and was chairman when it became a village.

“We’re going to miss Jonathan and Jonathan’s leadership,” Kramer said.

According to the county website, Delagrave graduated from Case High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Delagrave's office put out a statement saying:

"This tragic loss has left our community in a state of great sadness, as we mourn the untimely departure of a remarkable leader, devoted public servant, and cherished friend. Jonathan's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all those within our county was truly inspirational, and his compassionate approach to governance touched the hearts of countless individuals.

"In this difficult time, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jonathan’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community. We ask for privacy for the family as they navigate through this tremendous loss."

'Huge loss for Racine County'

Former Racine County Board Supervisor Fabi Maldonado said he was "shocked" by the news.

"He was a very good man and prided himself on being nonpartisan and getting things done. It's a huge loss for Racine County," Maldonado said. "My condolences to his family and to the county. It's a huge loss."

Racine Mayor Cory Mason has known Delagrave since they were teenagers and his death has shaken the community.

"I’ve known Jonathan since we were 14 years old together at Case High School," Mason said on Facebook. "As mayor, it has been an honor to serve alongside him in his role as county executive. Jonathan was an amazing leader for Racine County. We are all at a loss from his passing. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said Delagrave "had so much life left to live and the shock of losing him still hasn’t set in. He was kind, caring, outgoing, and very generous with his time. He was someone I could always count on for advice and guidance."

"We worked closely together over the years, and as Racine County Executive he worked incredibly hard and had the great ability to solve a problem by bringing everyone together to generate the best ideas," Vos said in a statement.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, said he and his family are "heartbroken" by Delagrave's death.

"Jonathan was like a little brother to me, with a great, positive spirit. He was a true public servant," Wanggaard said in a statement. "It was never 'can’t do' with Jonathan, it was always 'how can we do.' And the emphasis was on the 'we.' Jonathan had the unique ability to bring people together to solve large problems to help everyone, no matter their station in life. It will be almost impossible to replace Jonathan, his positive impact on Racine County was that strong. Racine County, I and thousands more will miss his unique spirit."

Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, said she was "devastated" by Delagrave's death.

"Throughout his service to our community, he has been an incredible leader and champion for Racine County and its residents. I was lucky to have a personal friendship with Jonathan and to be able to collaborate over the years. I will deeply miss him," Neubauer said in a statement.

State Rep. Tip McGuire, D-Kenosha, said Delagrave's "passion and love for Racine County was often on display through his big heart and friendly, collaborative approach to his work. His leadership in Racine County will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones in this incredibly difficult time.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley called it a "sad day in southeastern Wisconsin" and called Delagrave " a devoted public servant who worked to improve the lives of the residents and families he served."

On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers authorized Racine County to lower the U.S. and state of Wisconsin flags to half-staff out of respect for Delagrave.

In a news release, Evers called Delagrave "an exceptional leader and truly devoted public servant who worked tirelessly over his many years of service to leave a lasting impact on Racine County and our state."

“Having known and worked with Jonathan for years, I’m incredibly grateful I had the privilege of knowing him and serving with him during our time in office together,” Evers added. “Kathy and I are deeply saddened by his unexpected passing, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and the Racine County community during this incredibly difficult time.”

Alec Johnson of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave dies suddenly, shocking community