OSHKOSH – The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh is in mourning following the passing of one of its founders, Ron Lampe.
A lifetime board member, Lampe passed away unexpectedly April 14 at St. Mary’s Hospital at the age of 85.
“Ron’s life’s work was never about recognition; it was about possibility,” said Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh CEO Tracy Ogden in a written statement. “Through his commitment, generations of children have found a place to belong, to grow and to believe in their own futures.”
Ron Lampe served 55 years and earned Wisconsin Hall of Fame honor
An attorney by profession, Lampe helped to found the club and served as its first board president before sitting on the board of directors for 55 years.
He was eventually inducted into the Wisconsin Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2019 after also serving on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin Area Council.
“Without him, I don’t believe we would have a club,” shared Tommy Sontag during the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2020.
In the release about his passing, Ogden added, “Ron’s legacy is not simply remembered; it is lived, every day, in the laughter, learning, and leadership unfolding within the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh.”
Lampe is survived by his wife Sharon; sons Jim and Doug Lampe; granddaughter Anika; and sister Barbara.
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Ron Lampe helped lead Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh for 55 years
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
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