ONEIDA, Wis. (WBAY) - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Saturday in honor of two-time chairman of the Oneida Nation, Gerald Danforth.

Ryan Funeral Home said Danforth died unexpectedly Sunday morning. He was 78 years old.

Danforth served two, non-consecutive terms as tribal chair in 1999 and 2005, retiring from that office in 2008. He also served as a judicial officer for the Oneida Appeals Commission for four years.

The Oneida Nation credited Danforth with long-term planning for an economy that wasn’t reliant on gaming, although he also “pursued strengthening Indian gaming interests and economic development.”

He also prioritized health care, higher education, and preserving the Oneida language.

Visitation is planned Friday from 3 to 7

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