SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO HONOR THE DEAD – SERVE THE LIVING

ABOUT THE WAR MEMORIAL

The War Memorial Center is Wisconsin’s most visible memorial to all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, and is committed to furthering a single, solemn mission:

“Honor the Dead. Serve the Living.”

HONORING THE FALLEN

Dedicated on Veterans Day 1957 and designated a Milwaukee Landmark in 1974, The War Memorial Center is the stunning architectural achievement of renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, whose work also included the St. Louis Gateway Arch, New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. Most importantly, Saarinen’s design and the memorials throughout the facility stand as a lasting testament to those who lost their lives defending the freedoms that we all cherish.

SERVING THE LIVING

In addition to standing as a testament to those whose made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the War Memorial Center is a hub for veteran activities. We work to ensure each veteran knows their service is appreciated as we inspire patriotism in our youth and honor the 3,481 men and women from Milwaukee County who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We provide over $120,000 in services each year to veterans and veteran service organizations.

GET SOCIAL WITH US

You can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. We also encourage you to sign-up for our monthly e-mail newsletter!

History

The War Memorial Center was born out of the collective vision of the Zonta, Altrusa, Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Milwaukee Civic Alliance to create a fitting memorial to honor the War Dead of WWII. Our mission remains, “To Honor the Dead by Serving the Living.”

Inspired by their vision, fundraising began and the community pooled its resources. The building was dedicated on Veterans Day 1957 as a testament to the men and women who served our nation when called.

Board of Trustees

Board Officers

Charles A. Gordon
Chairman
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Mary B. Read
Vice-Chairwoman
Clement Finance & Leasing, Inc.

Michael Koszuta
Secretary
Command Sgt. Major (Ret.)
US Army

Michael C. Gibson
Treasurer
J H Findorff & Son

Michael W. Grebe
Immediate Past Chairman
Lynde & Harry Bradley
Foundation, Retired

Trustees

Candee S. Arndt
Community Member

Berdie Cowser, Ph.D.
Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd.

Joshua Davis

Bert Garvin
WEC Energy Group

George J. Gaspar
Retired

Jeffrey L. Marks
Retired

Eugene Manzanet, Ph.D
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Co Nguyen
Rockwell Automation

Jean Ruka
Retired

Past Board Chairmen

Will Ross
1950-1951

Philip K. Robinson
1951-1958

Richard J. White, Jr.
1958-1963

Joseph A. Greco
1964-1975

Charles C. Mulcahy
1976-1984

Thomas S. O’Byrne
1984-1988

Lester J. Dencker
1988-1989

Marshall R. Berkoff
1989-1994

Thomas A. Bailey
1994-2002

George J. Gaspar
2002-2013

Michael M. Berzowski
2013-2015

Peter P. Pochowski
2015-2020

Michael W. Grebe
2020-2023

 

War Memorial Staff

Dan Buttery
President and CEO

 
 

Laurie Kildegaard
VP of Finance and Administration

Vicki Chappell
VP of Philanthropy

Sean Clark
Program Director

Mark Waldoch
Accountant

Manda Gill
Event Manager

Nanette Prendergast Development Assistant

Armando Herrera
Facilities Manager