Background
Gelatt, Charles Daniel was born on January 4, 1918 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Philo Madison and Clara (Johnson) Gelatt.
Gelatt, Charles Daniel was born on January 4, 1918 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Son of Philo Madison and Clara (Johnson) Gelatt.
He attended Central High School, then Lake Forest Academy before matriculating into University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1939.
In 1947, he became the youngest person ever elected to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. He became a leader in the family business, Northern Engraving Corporation, during World World War World War II He served on the Board of Trustees of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company for 28 years. From 1945 to 1962 and later in the 1960s, he served on the Board of Directors for the Miami Beach First National Bank.
He became an original part-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team and was an original investor in the Louisiana Crosse Catbirds of the Continental Basketball Association.
He donated extensively to organizations in and around Louisiana Crosse, including the Franciscan Skemp Medical Center and Viterbo University (he also served on the school"s Board of Directors). His donations tallied in the millions of dollars, including a $2 million gift to the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
Trustee Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, 1960-1988, member Executive Committee, 1961-1977. Chairman North Control Trust Company, Louisiana Crosse, 1989-1993. Member board regents University of Wisconsin, 1947-1974, president of the board regents, 1955-1957, vice president, 1964-1968, president, 1968-1969.
Member Wisconsin Coordinating Committee for Higher Education, 1955-1959, 64-69, chairman, 1956. Chairman Association Governing Bds. Universities and Colls., Washington, 1971-1972.
Trustee Carroll College, Waukesha, Wisconsin, 1971-1979, Viterbo College, Louisiana Crosse, since 1972. Trustee Gundersen Foundation, La Crosse, 1973-1995. Member Phi Beta Kappa.
Married Jane Leicht, March 6, 1942 (divorced 1972). Children: Sarah Jane Gelatt Gephart, Charles D., Philip Madison. Married Paula Jo Evans, August 22, 1973 (divorced 1978).
Married Sue Anne Jimieson, December 11, 1983.