NICK CONLON OBIT
As the sun set on the 18th hole Monday, Nick Conlon sunk a perfect last putt and with his celebratory club in the air, travelled quietly off to his next round in Heaven.
Harry Bennett Conlon, Jr., “Nick” to most, had a passion for golf but it paled in comparison to the love and devotion he had for family and friends, the Packers during a good year, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame no matter how they played. Known well for his quick Irish wit, eternal optimism and commitment to integrity in all areas of his life, Nick passed away February 5, 2018 surrounded by those who loved him. Nick fought until the end, would not give up even one stroke, until his body could no longer fight.
Born on May 15, 1935 to Harry B. and Alice (O’Neil) Conlon, Nick lived the majority of his life in Green Bay and De Pere. He attended St. John’s Grade School and Catholic Central High School in Green Bay. In 1957, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, and in 1963, Nick went on to receive his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Between his two degrees, Nick was set up on a blind date with Maggie Sullivan from Chicago, who became his wife on April 20, 1963. Nick served as lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve from 1957 – 1963, and served actively three years on a Naval Destroyer. Nick and Maggie were married 43 years until Maggie passed away in 2007.
Nick loved his family. Together they shared many memorable times together including skiing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, weeks at “the Island” on Sawyer Harbor in Sturgeon Bay and vacations to Marco Island, Florida. No matter how busy Nick was, he always had time to attend basketball games, track meets, horse shows, graduations and numerous school functions. He always shared good advice with his children and led by positive example. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by his children: Kara (David) Barnes of Lakeville, MN, Michael (fiancé Jessica Mahone) of Cary, NC; Meghan (Michael) DuPont of Lakeville, MN and Patrick of Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, Nick was part of the lives of three step children, Caleb Adam Chapel of Green Bay, Amey Delugeau of Green Bay and Heather Navarre of Tacoma Washington. Nick adored his 16 grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. He was a “get-down-on-your hands-and-knees” kind of grandpa who will be dearly missed.
Nick led an outstanding professional life, and he took great pride in his accomplishments. He began his career as a Commercial Lender at Continental Illinois Bank from 1963-1965. Green Bay drew him back in 1965, when Jake Rose hired him as Vice President at Kellogg Citizens National Bank. In 1975, in a natural transition, Nick became the Chief Executive Officer of Associated Banc-Corp, Kellogg’s holding company, until 2000. He was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2000, but remained non-executive Chairman of the Board until 2003. He retired from the Board in 2006. Nick led Associated through tremendous growth from $450 million in assets with nine banks in Northeast Wisconsin to $22 billion in assets with 319 offices in three states. His positive, inspirational leadership influenced many people throughout his career.
Nick felt honored to give back to his community throughout his life. He donated his time, talent, knowledge and resources to numerous organizations in Wisconsin. He was on the Board of Directors for St. Vincent’s Hospital and Prevea Clinics, Imperial, Inc., Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Bankers Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay. He actively supported St. Norbert College, Green Bay YMCA, Service League of Green Bay and Encompass Child Care Center. In 2000, the Rotary Club of Green Bay presented Nick with the Free Enterprise Award for outstanding leadership in business.
In June 2009, Nick married Susan Chapel of De Pere, WI. Nick and Susan were inseparable throughout their marriage and shared many wonderful adventures together in De Pere and Marco Island, Florida. She felt blessed to have the time with Nick she had and was at his bedside at the end.
Nick leaves behind his two older siblings, Betty and her husband, Fred, from De Pere, and Don and his wife, Ruth, from Los Gatos, California.
Family and friends may visit at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew Street, Allouez, on Thursday, February 8, from 4-7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, at the church, with the Rev. Robert Kabat officiating and Deacon Kevin DeCleene assisting. There will be no visitation prior to the mass of Friday. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.cotterfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.