Bob Harlan Obituary: Former Green Bay Packers President and CEO Dies at 89

Robert Ernest “Bob” Harlan, the visionary leader who transformed the Green Bay Packers from a struggling franchise into a modern NFL powerhouse, passed away on March 5, 2026, at age 89 following a brief illness (pneumonia). He died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he had lived for decades.

Harlan served as Packers President (1989–2006) and CEO (until 2008), then Chairman Emeritus. He is remembered as the only NFL executive to hire two general managers—Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson—who each built Super Bowl-winning teams with entirely different rosters.

Bob Harlan Quick Facts (SEO Table)

Early Life and Path to the Packers

Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Harlan developed an early love for the Packers. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School (1954) and Marquette University (1958), where he later served as sports information director (1959–1965). He spent six years in baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals as director of community relations and public relations (1965–1971) before joining the Packers in 1971 as assistant general manager under Dan Devine.

Transformational Leadership at Lambeau

Elected the ninth president and CEO on June 5, 1989, Harlan inherited a franchise in crisis after 24 years without a playoff win. In 1991, he made the bold move to fire VP of football operations Tom Braatz and hire Ron Wolf with full control over football operations. Wolf brought in Mike Holmgren and traded for Brett Favre—leading to Super Bowl XXXI (1997).

Harlan later hired Ted Thompson, who built the team that won Super Bowl XLV (2011). The Packers posted the NFL’s best record (152-88) from 1993–2007 during his tenure and reached the playoffs 25 times in the last 34 seasons.

Off the field, Harlan’s business decisions secured the franchise’s future:

• Moved all home games to Lambeau Field (ending the costly Milwaukee split in 1995).
• Led the 1997 stock sale and pushed for public funding.
• Oversaw the $295 million Lambeau Field redevelopment (completed 2003), adding seats, suites, and the Atrium—turning it into a year-round destination.

Personal Life, Family, and Community

Harlan was known for his warm “silver tongue” leadership style and deep community involvement. He and wife Madeline served on hospital boards and supported the Boys & Girls Club. They created the Madeline and Robert Harlan Humanitarian Fund after his 2003 melanoma diagnosis.

He is survived by Madeline; sons Kevin (and wife Ann), Bryan (and wife Barbara), and Michael (and wife Cortney); and grandchildren, including sports announcer Olivia Harlan.

Tributes and Lasting Impact

Packers President & CEO Ed Policy: “Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational… He helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success.”

Current coach Mike McCarthy and former GMs Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson praised his trust, people skills, and unwavering support.

Harlan was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2004 (the Bob Harlan Leadership Award now bears his name). He authored his memoir Green and Golden Moments in 2007.

Arrangements are pending. The Packers family and fans worldwide mourn a true icon who embodied the “Green and Gold” spirit.

Rest in peace, Bob Harlan. Your legacy at Lambeau Field—and in NFL history—will endure forever. 💚💛

(For official updates, visit Packers.com or the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.)