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
Lieutenant	himself
Preceded by	Patrick Lucey
Succeeded by	Lee Dreyfus
38th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
In office January 4, 1971 – January 4, 1979
Governor	Patrick Lucey himself (1977-1979)
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 April 8, 1939) is an American politician, author, and consultant. He served as the 38th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin from 1971 to 1977. After the governor resigned, Schreiber became the 39th governor of Wisconsin and served from 1977 to 1979. Today, he is well-known for his work helping families dealing 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 later on the Milwaukee Common Council.

As a teenager, Martin Schreiber attended Badger Boys State in 1956. This program teaches young people about how government works. He went to Valparaiso University and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied urban planning, which is about how cities are designed and managed. Later, he earned a law degree from Marquette University Law School in 1964.

Political Career

Martin Schreiber was a member of the Democratic Party. He began his political career in the Wisconsin State Senate, serving from 1963 to 1971. He was elected at age 23, making him the youngest senator in Wisconsin history at that time.

During his time in the Senate, Schreiber focused on important issues. These included improving education, protecting consumers, and supporting the rights of workers and older adults.

In 1970, Schreiber was elected lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. He ran alongside Patrick Lucey, who became governor. In 1972, he became the youngest person to lead the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

Becoming Governor of Wisconsin

In July 1977, Governor Patrick Lucey resigned to become the United States ambassador to Mexico. According to the state's rules, Martin Schreiber, as lieutenant governor, then became the governor. He served for the rest of their four-year term.

In the 1978 election, Schreiber ran to be elected governor for a full term. However, he lost to Lee S. Dreyfus, a Republican. After this election, Schreiber moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He worked as a vice-president for Sentry Insurance.

Schreiber tried to become governor again in 1982 but 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, which means he worked to influence government decisions for different groups.

Personal Life

In 1961, Martin Schreiber married Elaine Thaney. They had four children together. Elaine was a teacher in Milwaukee public schools. She passed away on April 25, 2022, after battling Alzheimer's Disease. Schreiber also serves on the Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees.

Helping Families with Dementia

Martin Schreiber has become a strong supporter for families dealing with 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, who had Alzheimer's.

Schreiber helped create the "Elaine and Friends Caregiver Help Center." He often gives talks to help others understand and cope with Alzheimer's. His book was recognized as one of the "Best Caregiving Books of 2018" by Caring.com.

He also worked with the Alzheimer's Association to start their "Operation: Stronger Together" program. 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 (2016 and 2022)