Dominic Olejniczak

Dominic Olejniczak was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to John and Victoria Olejniczak on August 18, 1908. He attended Green Bay East High School and lived close to City Stadium, the home of the Packers. He was one of many children who would help carry Packers player's equipment into the stadium before practices.[1]

Professionally, Olejniczak worked as a real estate broker, but he was also an elected official.[1] He served as alderman from 1936 to 1944 and then as the mayor of Green Bay from 1945 to 1955. His 10 years in office was, at the time, the longest tenure of any Green Bay mayor in city history. Olejnicnak won his first mayoral election in 1945 by only 83 votes. The small margin necessitated a recount, and although some irregularities were note, Olejnicnak was certified the winner with 50.7% of the vote. After the 1949 election, Olejnicnak ran unopposed until his retirement in 1955. In an article noting his retirement, the Green Bay Press-Gazette recounted numerous accomplishments during Olejnicnak's tenure as mayor. He was recognized for improving city administration, infrastructure improvements, and keeping tax rates low. During his tenure, the city of Green Bay built a pipeline to Lake Michigan for its water supply and the beltline around the city was planned and developed.[1]

Olejniczak's love for the Green Bay Packers began when the team was young. He was attending East High School and lived not far from City Stadium, which at that time was located on East High School grounds. At that time, a youngster could walk into the stadium with a player and carry his headgear and Dominic was among them. He continued to be an ardent backer during his years as alderman and as mayor. On July 10, 1950, Olejniczak was named to the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors and the bond grew stronger.[2] In his dual role as mayor and board member that year, he was a leader in the civic drive that netted more than $100,000 and helped save the franchise.[3]

Olejniczak was named to the executive committee of the Green Bay Packers board of directors in January 1952. Nearly six years later in December 1957 he was elected executive vice president.[4] After the resignation and then death of Russ Bogda, Olejniczak was elected as the seventh president of the franchise.[1][5] When he took over the Packer presidency, the team had not had a winning record in 10 years,[6] and that first season in 1958 under first-year head coach Ray McLean was the worst regular season record (1–10–1) in franchise history. Olejniczak was a prime mover in building the new City Stadium in 1957 (renamed "Lambeau Field" in 1965) and was instrumental in hiring New York Giants assistant Vince Lombardi in early 1959.[3][7]

Re-elected for the final time in May 1981,[8] Olejniczak resigned the following year on June 1, 1982. After serving over 24 years as Packers president, more than anyone in the team's history, he was succeeded by Robert J. Parins.[1] At that time, Olejniczak was named the first Packer Chairman of the Board and served in that role until 1989. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1979.[3]

He received the Knighthood of St. Gregory from Bishop Wycislo and an honorary doctorate of law degree from St. Norbert College in De Pere in 1986. He was the first lay President of Premontre High School (later Notre Dame de la Baie Academy).[1]

On November 24, 1938, he married Regina Bettine at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. Dom and Gina adopted two sons, Thomas Marshall Olejniczak and Mark Dominic Olejniczak.[1] He was a Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Olejniczak died at age 80 at his home in Green Bay after suffering numerous strokes.[1][6] His funeral at St. Mary's of the Angels parish was filled to capacity,[9] and he is buried at Allouez Catholic Cemetery in Green Bay.

• Dominic Olejniczak at Find a Grave