Martin J. Schreiber facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin Schreiber
Schreiber in 1977
39th Governor of Wisconsin
Acting
In office July 6, 1977 – January 4, 1979
Preceded by	Patrick Lucey
Succeeded by	Lee Dreyfus
38th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
In office January 4, 1971 – July 6, 1977
Governor	Patrick Lucey
Preceded by	Jack B. Olson
Succeeded by	Russell Olson
Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 6th district
In office January 9, 1963 – January 4, 1971
Preceded by	William R. Moser
Succeeded by	Mark Lipscomb Jr.
Personal details
Born	Martin James Schreiber (1939-04-08) April 8, 1939 (age 86) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Elaine Thaney ​ ​ (m. 1961; died 2022)​
Relations	Martin E. Schreiber (father)
Children	4
Education	University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (BA) Marquette University (JD)

Martin James Schreiber, born on April 8, 1939, is an American politician, writer, and public speaker. He served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin from 1971 to 1977. Later, he became the 39th Governor of Wisconsin from 1977 to 1979. Today, Mr. Schreiber is well-known for his work helping people understand and cope with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Early Life and Education

Martin Schreiber was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father, Martin E. Schreiber, was also involved in politics. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Milwaukee Common Council.

In 1956, young Martin attended Badger Boys State. This is a special program for high school students to learn about government and leadership. He went as a representative from Milwaukee Lutheran High School.

Schreiber studied at Valparaiso University and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He majored in urban studies, which is about how cities work. In 1964, he earned a law degree from Marquette University Law School.

Martin Schreiber's Political Career

Martin Schreiber is a member of the Democratic Party. He began his political career in the Wisconsin State Senate. He served there from 1963 to 1971. At 23 years old, he was the youngest senator in Wisconsin's history.

During his time in politics, Schreiber focused on important issues. These included education, helping children, protecting consumers, and supporting the rights of workers and older people.

Serving as Lieutenant Governor

In 1970, Schreiber was elected lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. He ran alongside Patrick Lucey, who became the governor. In 1972, he became the youngest person to lead the National Lieutenant Governors Association. This group helps lieutenant governors from different states work together.

Becoming Governor of Wisconsin

In July 1977, Governor Patrick Lucey resigned to become the United States ambassador to Mexico. Because of this, Martin Schreiber took over as Governor. He served for the rest of their four-year term, until January 1979.

In the 1978 election, Schreiber ran for governor again. He lost to Lee S. Dreyfus, a Republican newcomer. After this, Schreiber moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He became a vice-president at Sentry Insurance.

Schreiber tried to become governor again in 1982, but he did not win the Democratic primary election. He also ran for Mayor of Milwaukee in 1988 but was not elected. After leaving state government, Schreiber started his own consulting firm. He became a successful lobbyist, working to influence government decisions.

Personal Life and Advocacy

In 1961, Martin Schreiber married Elaine Thaney. They had four children together. Elaine was a former public-school teacher in Milwaukee. She passed away on April 25, 2022, after battling Alzheimer's Disease.

Advocating for Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness

Martin Schreiber has become a strong voice for people affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He wrote a book called My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver. This book shares his personal experiences caring for his wife, Elaine.

Schreiber helped create the "Elaine and Friends Caregiver Help Center." He often speaks about the challenges of Alzheimer's. His book was recognized as one of the "Best Caregiving Books of 2018."

He also worked with the Alzheimer's Association to start "Operation: Stronger Together." This program helps raise awareness about the disease. Schreiber also helped create the "Dementia-Friendly Employers" Toolkit. This toolkit helps businesses support employees who are caring for someone with dementia.

Works

• My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver with Cathy Breitenbucher (Newark, Book Publishers Network, 2016 and Harper Horizon, 2022)