Robert Ernest Harlan

Bob Harlan, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 5, 2026, at St. Mary’s hospital in Green Bay. Harlan lived in Green Bay since 1971 and served 36 years with the Green Bay Packers, including the last 19 as the team’s President and CEO.

Harlan was born on September 9, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa as the son of E.W. “Sy” and Alice Harlan. He graduated from Marquette University in 1958, then spent six years as its sports publicity director. In 1965, he was hired by baseball's St. Louis Cardinals to head their community relations and speakers' bureau. Three years later, he became their public relations director. Harlan was hired by the Packers in 1971 to be assistant general manager and over the next 18 years he held various administrative titles with the team before being elected President in 1989.

Harlan and his wife, Madeline, were deeply involved in the greater Green Bay community through the years, serving on many boards and donating time to many causes. Both have been honored by multiple groups for their charitable work.

In addition to Madeline, the love of his life of nearly 67 years, Harlan is survived by his son, Kevin (Ann) Harlan of Mission Hills, KS, and their children: Abigail (Bobby) Sight and their daughter, Scarlett; Haley (Jerry) Mancuso and their children, JJ, Mary Madeline, and Matilda; Olivia (Sam Dekker) Harlan Dekker and their children, Harlan Wolf and Christian; and Robert (Gabriella) Harlan and their son, Francis; and by his son, Bryan (Barbara) Harlan of Chicago, IL and daughter, Katie; and his son, Michael (Cortney) Harlan of Verona, WI.

Family and friends may visit at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 139 S. Madison St., Green Bay, from 11:00 AM until 1:45 PM on Monday, March 16, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:00 PM with Father James Baraniak O. Praem. officiating and Father Richard Getchel concelebrating.

The Harlan Family cordially invites the public to the Lambeau Field Atrium after the service from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for a celebration of the life and legacy of Bob Harlan.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the Harlan Family. To extend online condolences, please visit www.ryanfh.com

The Harlan family would like to send a special thank you to the ICU, 5th Floor and Hospice nurses and all staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their compassion and kindness.

In memory of Robert Ernest Harlan please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

Bob Harlan Memorial Fund through Children’s Cancer Family FoundationGreen Bay Packers Foundation
Checks (no cash) must be made payable to the Green Bay Packers Foundation and sent to: Green Bay Packers Foundation attention Bobbi Jo Eisenreich, Secretary 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304.