Fred Leicht
Inducted: 1983
Board of Directors: 1935-77
Executive Committee: 1935-59
Vice President: 1935-41
Leicht was an influential member of the Packers' board of directors for 42 years and as chairman of the corporation's grounds committee, he played a lead role in getting what is now Lambeau Field built. Leicht began pushing for the new stadium while heading the same committee when the Packers were playing in old City Stadium. Further, he helped the cause in getting the new stadium approved by remaining neutral during the controversy over whether it should be built on Green Bay's East Side or West Side.
"He was involved in the site selection," said Ted Leicht, his son and also a longtime member of the Packers' board of directors. "You had an East Side, West Side competition. The East Side thought they (should) put it behind East High School. The West Side wanted Perkins Park. On the stadium location, dad had pretty good foresight. He could find a compromise."
Leicht was elected to the executive committee and board of directors on Jan. 29, 1935. He also was elected vice president at the time and held that title until Aug. 4, 1941. He remained on the executive committee for 24 years until April 28, 1959, when it was cut from 13 to seven members. Leicht was one of the original Packers stockholders in 1923 and one of the leading stockholders with 20 shares, worth $500, when the franchise was reorganized in 1935. In 1950, Leicht served on one of the teams of local citizens that went door-to-door selling stock to businesses and individuals. Ray Leicht, his younger brother, served on the Packers' board of directors prior to him in the 1920s and also as chairman of the grounds committee.
Born Oct. 18, 1895, in Green Bay. Given name Fred Louis Leicht. Graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1914. A prominent local businessman, Fred Leicht was president of Leicht Transfer & Storage from 1936 to 1975 and also was general manager of Northern Transportation Co. from 1919 to 1952. Died Oct. 2, 1977, at age 81.
- By Cliff Christl