Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow dies at 61 following cancer battle

Name: Waukesha County exec talks cancer diagnosis
Uploaded: 2026-07-08T14:11:38-05:00
Description: Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has received a huge outpouring of support since he announced last week that he was diagnosed with cancer. He spoke one-on-one with FOX6.

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow passes away at 61

A great sense of sorrow in Waukesha County, County Executive Paul Farrow, succumbed to cancer just weeks before his 62nd birthday. Farrow was beloved for his leadership and bipartisan approach to politics.

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. - A great sense of sorrow in Waukesha County, County Executive Paul Farrow, succumbed to cancer just weeks before his 62nd birthday.

Farrow was beloved for his leadership and bipartisan approach to politics.

Paul Farrow died yesterday (Tuesday, July 7) surrounded by family. He was 61 years old.

Paul Farrow

Remembering Paul Farrow

What we know:

He’s being remembered for his dedication to his county and for his trademark humor.

Farrow served as county executive since 2015.

He was previously elected to the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly and was the state GOP chairman in 2021.

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His mother, Margaret Farrow, served as lieutenant governor alongside Governor Scott McCallum.

Farrow was diagnosed with mucinous adenocarcinoma in 2024. FOX6's Bret Lemoine interviewed him that September when he went public with the diagnosis.

At the time, the cancer was Stage 4, but Farrow put on a brave face and documented his battle on social media.

Plans are in the works for a public celebration of life.

Farrow is survived by his wife, Amy, their two sons and two grandchildren.

Paul Farrow

The Waukesha County Board Chair, Jim Heinrich, will now serve as acting county executive. The board has 30 days to appoint an interim. Then a special election will be held.

What they're saying:

"I am heartbroken by the passing of County Executive Farrow. Paul was a devoted public servant, a steady leader, and a proud champion for Waukesha County. He led with conviction and cared deeply about this community. On behalf of the County Board, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Amy and the Farrow family, his friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him," County Board Chairman Jim Heinrich said.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment journey | Sep. 2024

The backstory:

Note: This story below was originally published in September 2024

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has received a huge outpouring of support since he announced last week that he was diagnosed with cancer. He spoke one-on-one with FOX6 on Tuesday.

Farrow is still hard at work and cracking jokes. He said he’s focused on his duties as county executive – like delivering a balanced budget – but knows this battle will be physically draining.

"I feel really good today. I got a good night’s sleep," said Farrow.

Farrow said that has not always been the case since doctors diagnosed him with mucinous adenocarcinoma – a rare form of cancer.

"It is considered Stage 4," he said. "It has metastasized so much that it’s everywhere in the abdomen."

Waukesha County exec talks cancer diagnosis

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has received a huge outpouring of support since he announced last week that he was diagnosed with cancer. He spoke one-on-one with FOX6.

Farrow said he started having pain as far back as Memorial Day, and he went to the emergency room in early August. He said there is no cure, but doctors are aggressively treating it. He has lost 20 pounds in the past two months; he said chemotherapy zaps his appetite.

The cancer has not spread to Farrow's organs, he said. Instead, it has attached itself to the fibers of his abdominal wall.

The county executive is documenting his journey on social media. In three months, doctors will determine if surgery is necessary.

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"I get up every day and say, ‘god gave me one more day to drive my wife crazy and keep the county running smoothly and beat the cancer,’" he said. "If I can give a voice to what’s going on to let people know the way things happen, or why they might be a little bit different, that’s what I’m going to do."

Farrow is leaning on his family, faith, staff and trademark humor as he starts his most difficult chapter. He is married and has two sons and a grandson.

"We know that humor is the best medicine. Being able to fight through this with a good sense of humor is going to be important moving forward," he said.

Farrow has long embraced public service. He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2010 and the Wisconsin Senate in 2012. He’s the former chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin and has served as Waukesha County executive since 2015.

Reaction

What they're saying:

The City of Waukesha is deeply saddened by the passing of Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Farrow family, his friends, colleagues, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. Throughout his career in public service, Paul Farrow dedicated himself to the residents of Waukesha County. His commitment to the community and his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others left a lasting impact that will be remembered.
"On behalf of the City of Waukesha, I offer my sincere condolences to the Farrow family and to all our colleagues at Waukesha County during this difficult time," said Mayor Alicia Halvensleben. "County Executive Farrow devoted much of his life to serving our community with dedication and care. He was a respected leader whose contributions to Waukesha County will not be forgotten."
A countywide special election will be held to determine who will serve the remainder of County Executive Farrow's term. Additional information regarding the election will be shared with City of Waukesha residents as it becomes available.

Today, Waukesha County and the State of Wisconsin mourn the loss of a true public servant, a steadfast leader, and a man who loved his community with all his heart. It was a profound honor to work alongside Paul over the years; his dedication to the people he represented was nothing short of inspiring.
For more than a decade, Paul led Waukesha County with wisdom and grace. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, stability, and progress, having truly left our community a better place than he found it.
Over the past two years, Paul faced his battle with cancer with the same courage and dignity that defined his leadership. Even in the face of such a devastating diagnosis, his commitment to service never wavered. He remained tenacious, resilient, and utterly devoted to his duty until the very end.
I extend my deepest condolences to Amy, his children, and his grandchildren.

— State Rep. Cindi Duchow, (R) Delafield

The Source: Waukesha County sent FOX6 a press release. FOX6 has also reported on Paul Farrow's cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.

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The Brief

Remembering Paul Farrow

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