Doug Brozek, 72, Townsend, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside on Monday, August 6, 2012. He was born on August 22, 1939, in Green Bay.
Doug attended East De Pere High School where he was a star defensive tackle on the football team. He began playing semi-pro football for the Manitowoc Chiefs right out of high school. In 1963, he had a try out for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi. Although he did not make the final squad, it was a career highlight for Doug. His years as defensive tackle and eventual coach totaled fifteen with the Chiefs. Doug was inducted to the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Over the years, Doug truly enjoyed coaching. He coached hundreds of kids in baseball, basketball, and football on several different teams around northeastern Wisconsin. In 1999, Doug retired from his position as Safety Supervisor at Nicolet Paper Company, where he served over thirty dedicated years.
He is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Ruth and his brother Jim. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie (Ehlers), only son Casey, Crystal Lake, IL, brother Gary and sister-in-law Mary Ellen of Allouez, along with Debbie's family, Beverly (Bubbles) Angelich, Oconto, Harriet (Bunny) and Dick Maloney, Oconto, Bill and Carmen Ehlers, Townsend. Doug enjoyed numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
A memorial service will be held at the Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere on Thursday, August 9, 2012. The family will greet relatives and friends 3 pm until 7 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm. Visit www.ryanfh.com to send your online condolences. The family has set up a foundation in Doug's name that supports local youth sports. In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to support sports programs for children. Coach Brozek would have wanted it that way.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the medical staff in the ICU at St. Vincent's Hospital in Green Bay and Select Specialty Hospital in Madison for their care and professionalism.