In Memoriam: Ron Lampe, a founder and lifelong friend of Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh

(The following is sourced from a press release distributed by the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh)

The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh sends deepest condolences to the family of Ron Lampe, who passed away on April 14.

Ron was more than a founder and Lifetime Board Member of the Club; he was a steadfast leader, a quiet force behind our success, and a lifelong champion for youth in our community.

His legacy is woven into the very foundation of who we are today.
“Ron’s life’s work was never about recognition; it was about possibility,” said Tracy Ogden, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. “Through his commitment, generations of children have found a place to belong, to grow, and to believe in their own futures.”

Ron’s journey with the Club began before the doors ever opened. An Oshkosh attorney who stepped forward as chair of the original steering committee, he helped turn an idea into reality, guiding efforts to demonstrate the need for a Boys & Girls Club in Oshkosh as early as 1968,
rallying community support, forming a board of directors, securing a location, and raising the funds necessary to bring the Club to life. In 1970, that vision became a reality, and Ron continued to serve as the Club’s first Board President, setting the tone for decades of growth
and impact.

From that moment forward, Ron’s commitment never wavered. For 55 years, he served on the Board of Directors, offering his time, expertise, and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person who walked through our doors. He served on the Board, finance, development,
executive, Youth of the Year, and endowment committees. He secured many donors for the organization, helped raise funds for a new club building, served as legal counsel to the Board for several decades, and promoted our organization throughout the community.

Ron also served for many years on Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin Area Council, helping other clubs around the state get started, assisting with their boards’ development.

In Oshkosh, his leadership and dedication helped guide the local Club through its most formative years and beyond, ensuring its strength and sustainability for generations to come.