Waukesha County Executive, Paul Francis Farrow, was peacefully welcomed into the arms of the Lord on July 7, 2026 surrounded by loving family. Paul publicly shared his battle with cancer to raise awareness, and continued to work and make public appearances up until only a few weeks before his passing. He was 61 years old.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Margaret (Nemitz) Farrow on July 17, 1964, he enjoyed an active childhood with his four brothers. They moved to Elm Grove, Wisconsin when he was young, and spent their summers at their grandparent’s cabin in Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin. The five boys filled their childhood with rough and tumble antics in the woods and water up north, and around the neighborhood. They enjoyed baseball in the yard, and family basketball games in the driveway. All-too-common trips to emergency rooms for stitches, broken bones, and concussions became part of family lore. Together, they built bonds that only grew stronger over time. The cabin “up north” remains a family retreat, and Paul enjoyed being there as often as he could. It is a place of peace in the most beautiful part of our State. He also enjoyed the enduring connection to the Lakeland area, serving on the World Musky Hunt Board of Directors, and supporting the annual “hunt” for over 25 years.

After graduating from Marquette University High School he attended the University of Wisconsin Waukesha before earning degrees at Waukesha County Technical College and Carroll University.

On July 8th, 1984, Paul’s life changed forever when he met Amy Vaitl. They married three years later, and enjoyed three weeks shy of 40 wonderful years together, anchored by their shared faith in God, and their unwavering love for each other. No two people have ever been a better fit for each other. They were blessed with two sons, Andrew and Jarod, who were always the most important part of their lives.

Paul opened a printing business with his twin brother, Peter, which they ran for several years. They both say this time was formative in crafting business skills that would serve them throughout their lives. He then launched a popular home inspection business which took Paul all over the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area.

Paul’s career took another turn when he heard the call to serve his community in public office. He started as a Richmond School Board Member. In 2010 he was elected to the State Assembly, and then the State Senate in 2012, rising quickly to the role of Assistant Majority Leader. In 2015, he was elected Waukesha County Executive, only the third person to serve in that role. He was reelected twice and served in that role until his passing. In 2025, Paul was awarded the Tommy G. Thompson Distinguished Public Leadership Award, recognizing Wisconsin leaders who have devoted themselves to public service.

He loved the role of County Executive, and the opportunity to serve the County that was his home. His team, and everyone he worked with, will remember his ever-present warmth, quick smile and his endless energy. They enjoyed the thousands of Christmas cookies Paul and Amy baked every year for Waukesha County employees. He loved cooking for others.

Paul had many notable accomplishments, including his crisis management skills that guided the County through the COVID pandemic and his budget work to annually manage Waukesha County tax dollars frugally. He was very proud of establishing the mentoring program in Waukesha County that helped develop upcoming leaders. Perhaps his greatest impact throughout public service was his incredible ability to bring people together to accomplish a common goal.

Most of all, everyone who knew him will remember Paul for his selflessness and readiness to help anyone. His favorite hobby seemed to be helping friends with DIY projects when he wasn’t tackling one of his own. He was always moving and problem solving.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother, Lieutenant Governor Margaret (Nemitz) Farrow, and his father-in-law, William Vaitl. He is survived by his wife, Amy; father, John; his mother-in-law, Barbara (Pitt) Vaitl; brothers: John (Linda), William (Constance), Peter, and Mark (Amy); sisters-in-law, Laura Ciletti and Valerie (William) Pritchard; sons, Andrew (Sara) and Jarod (Sarah); grandchildren, Rowan and Elowyn; and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation Celebration will be held August 6th at the Waukesha County Expo Center at 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Remarks will be made at 5:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held August 12th at 5:00 p.m. at Brookfield Lutheran Church, 18500 W. Burleigh Rd., Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, family very sincerely asks that gifts be given either to WisconsinEye to promote open access to government for everyone in Wisconsin; or the Paul Farrow Community Fund at the Waukesha County Community Foundation.

(Photo given to the family courtesy of Carroll University)