Lee Sherman Dreyfus, the American politician and member of the Republican Party who served as the 40th governor of Wisconsin after winning the only elections he ever entered, died at the age of 81.

His death was announced to the press by his son, who told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he passed away on Wednesday at his home in Waukesha, Wis.

After coming back from the World War II during which he served in the U.S. Navy, Dreyfus attended the University of Wisconsin on the GI Bill. In 1967 he managed to become president of Stevens Point University.

He joined the Republican Party in 1978 and during the same year he ran for governor. Dreyfus won with 55 percent of the vote and he was very likely to win the re-election, but he chose not to run for a second time shocking the Republicans.

During his term as Wisconsin Governor, Dreyfus gave residents a chance for input on whether they preferred a sales or income tax to make up a budget shortfall, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel wrote. He also agreed and signed the legislation banning employment discrimination against gays.

In February 2005, health complications began for Dreyfus. Then he experienced complications from knee-replacement surgery and began to show signs of heart distress before undergoing a quintuple bypass surgery.

He has a building named in his honor, the Lee Sherman Dreyfus University Center, on the campus of UW-Stevens Point.

Gov. Jim Doyle released the following statement regarding Dreyfus’ death:
"Lee Dreyfus was one of a kind -- one of Wisconsin's unique personalities. He was both a wonderful governor and education leader. He led us, educated us, entertained us, all at the same time. He showed us that politics do not have to be harsh or overly partisan.

"Over the years I personally benefited from his warm friendship and sage advice. Jessica and I, along with all citizens of Wisconsin, offer our deepest condolences to Joyce and the Dreyfus family."