Remembering Al Rheinschmidt

During a 30-year career with UW-Green Bay, Alan Rheinschmidt was a respected, dedicated employee known for his cheery trademark saying, “Proud to be here, happy to serve.” Rheinschmidt, of Mosinee, died Dec. 19 after a lengthy illness. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private memorial for family will be held at a later date. He is survived by two daughters, his former wife, and many other relatives. Rheinschmidt served for many years as UW-Green Bay’s director of institutional services. At one time or another, he worked in or supervised insurance claims, risk management, capital inventory, duplication, stores, the mailroom and others, in the process working with countless individuals across campus. He joined UW-Green Bay in 1970 as assistant to then-Business Manager Cyril (Zeke) Backes. Rheinschmidt transferred to UW-Green Bay from the former UW-Fox Valley Center where he was business manager, a position he took after serving in the U.S. Navy and earning his business degree at UW-Milwaukee. Rheinschmidt retired in 1997. A half dozen years later he surprised the University with an out-of-the-blue donation of $30,000 to help cope with tight budgets. “I can remember times when we didn’t even have money to buy beakers for the science labs,” he told an interviewer at the time. “As long as I had the opportunity to give a little, I would. I hope it inspires others to do the same.” For a photo of Al and a 2003 story about his career and philanthropy, see the article “Mailbox surprise” in our magazine archive.