Herman J. Reckelberg

October 24, 1927
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July 19, 2019

Herman J. Reckelberg, 91, Green Bay, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019 with family by his side.  He was born on October 24, 1927 in Green Bay to the late Herman F. and Rufina (Prust) Reckelberg.  Herman was a graduate of Green Bay East High School.  He served his country with the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.  On July 12, 1952 he married Betty Schlei at Zion Methodist Church in Green Bay.  In 1951, Herman signed a professional baseball contract with the Green Bay Bluejays, which was a farm club of the Cleveland Indians.  Two years later, he signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and spent two weeks in their minor league camp.  Herman began working at Alwin Manufacturing in the warehouse and earned his way to plant superintendent.  After his retirement, Herman enjoyed spending time working on his farm, Hereford Hills.  He began working as a parkie in high school.  Herman continued his association with the Green Bay Parks and Recreation Department after his return from the service in numerous capacities.  They included the high school baseball program, men’s basketball, touch football and youth football as a referee.  He eventually became program supervisor.  Herman started and was the first president of the Green Bay West Booster Club.  Herman was a treasurer and board member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.  He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Green Bay Packers serving from 1987 until 1998 and was an Emeritus member until his death.  In 2014, Herman received the Bart and Cherry Starr Recognition Award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to the Packers Hall of Fame.  He was a life member of the VFW, Royal Neighbors member, Green Bay Shrine Club Beja Temple and Traffic Club

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty; children, Todd (Mary Jean) Reckelberg and Roxanne (Jeff) De Cleene; grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Reckelberg; sister-in-law, Elaine (Milton) Henderson; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Alexander T. Reckelberg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lt. Col. Elmo and Adeline Schlei; brothers-in-law, Donald (Donna) Schlei and Elmo (Florence) Schlei.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Memorial service 12:00 noon on Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Barbara Ristow officitating.  Full military honors will follow the service.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to their neighbor, Nancy, Joel and family for all their help during this time.  Also, a heartfelt thank you to Bellin Home Health nurse Jessica for her care and compassion.