Republican Reuben La Fave, who served in the Wisconsin Legislature for 25 years (Assembly, 1950-1955; Senate, 1956-1976), was born in the town of Lena, Oconto County, on September 27, 1915. After graduating from the local high school he attended the Racine Technical School. During the 1930's he was a social worker in his home county. He later owned and operated the Neverman Oil Company. During World War II he served in the Coast Guard Reserve.
After the war, La Fave became active in county politics, serving nine years on the Oconto County Board. In 1950 he was the county's representative to the Assembly. In 1956 he began his long tenure as senator from the 30th District.
Before his election to the legislature La Fave was active in a number of conservation and recreation groups. He was chairman, 1949-1953, of the Sportsmen's Congress; president of the Northeastern Wisconsin Bayshore Trap League; and a member of the local yacht club. It is likely this background had much to do with strong advocacy of conservation issues after his election to public office. In 1953 he received the Milwaukee Sentinel award for outstanding achievement in the field. The numerous subsequent awards and citations which he received are enumerated in the folder of biographical information in the collection.
As one of the more powerful members of his party La Fave chaired the Senate Transportation Committee, the Retirement Research Committee, the Menominee Indian Study Committee, the Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems, and the Joint Highway Advisory Committee. He was defeated in his bid for re-election in 1976.
