James D. Brogan

Age 66, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 15, 2005. Jim was born in Green Bay on May 9, 1939, son of the late John J. and Marguerite (Calnan) Brogan. Jim graduated from St. Norbert High School in DePere and the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in political science. Jim also pursued a degree at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Arkansas. On August 17, 1968, Jim married the former Julie Bettinger in Green Bay; she survives. He began his professional career with the Bay Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and in 1972, he and his brother John Brogan acquired the Bank of Kaukauna. Jim served as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer for over thirty years. He will also be remembered by many for his service on countless area boards, including The Bank of Kaukauna, United Way, Fox Valley Symphony, ADCI, and Wisco-Lift. Jim was also a member of the Kaukauna Rotary Club for over thirty yeras. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, and traveling. His most treasured times, though, came from spending time with family and friends.

Jim loved getting together with his friends, especially old friends, for lunches or other occasions. A lunch with Jim could last three or four hours. It wasn’t about the food and drink; it was about the conversation. A longtime friend of the Brogans said it best: “You don’t go out to lunch with Jim, you dine with Jim.” Jim loved to converse; he loved to talk about anything and everything. He had strong opinions and some things that angered him, but he preferred in-depth exploration, not angry complaining. For Jim, it was about being involved with his friends, about being engaged, connected. He loved to hear what people had to say so he could engage them in further discussion of that. He would happily pursue any topic brought up; he had no agenda.

Survivors include his wife: Julie Brogan of Kaukauna; a daughter: Shannon (Stephen Hargreaves) Brogan of Chicago; a son: John (Patricia) Brogan of Minneapolis; a brother: John (Gisela) Brogan of Green Bay; a brother-in-law: John (Vickie) Bettinger of Green Bay and their children John Paul Bettinger and Katie (Greg) Bettinger Graham; and a niece: Anja Brogan of Berlin, Germany. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and by Julie’s parents, Paul and Ivyl Bettinger.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey and Fr. Joe Wolf officiating. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, DePere. The family will receive relatives and friends directly at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund is being established in Jim’s name.

Jim's friends and family meant the world to him. He will be dearly missed by his dear children, his beloved wife, others whom he loved, and those who loved him.