Glenn R. Madrigrano, age 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 17, 2022 following a five year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Glenn was born in Kenosha on December 30, 1949, a son of the late Joseph F. “Pepe” and Shirley (nee: Engdahl) Madrigrano.
He was a 1968 graduate of St. Joseph High School where he played guard on the 1968 varsity basketball team that made an appearance at the state tournament. He received his degree from St. Norbert College, DePere, WI.
On September 9, 1972, he was united in marriage to Barbara Shuemate. This September, they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Anyone who knew Glenn, knew of his passion for both golf and bowling. Over the years, he bowled three 300 games left-handed and scored three holes in one right-handed.
Glenn was part of the third generation of his family business. Glenn’s grandfather, Gene, founded the family beer business in 1923 at the repeal of prohibition. Glenn’s father, “Pepe” went out on his own in 1951, and Glenn joined the business in 1972 on a full-time basis.
Glenn literally grew up in the family beer business. He was twelve years old when he started out as a helper on the trucks and continued working while he was a student at St. Joe’s and St. Norbert’s. Over the years, he had worked nearly every job in the distributorship.
In 1976 Glenn was named President of C.J.W., Inc. Under his leadership, C.J.W. grew from an organization selling 500,000 cases per year with 20 employees to its current size of 4 million cases and 150 employees. He assisted to increase market share from 15% of the beer market to over 75%. In 2007, he was named a Miller Legend by the Miller Brewing Company.
Glenn was instrumental in expanding the business through several acquisitions of new territory, as well as being on the leading edge of brand consolidation in the early 2000s.
Glenn was an active member of National Beer Wholesalers Association, Wisconsin Beer Distributor’s Association, Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, And Racine Area Manufacturer’s and Commerce Assoc., Roma Lodge, and the Italian American Society where he was honored as Man of the Year in 2012. He was also proud to support the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kenosha and Racine, the Shalom Center, St. Joseph High School, St. Norbert’s College, Carthage College, and countless other local charities and organizations.
Survivors include his wife, Barb; his two children, Glenn Madrigrano, Jr. and Mia (Chris) Hughes; his grandchildren, Glenn Madrigrano III, and Kylie and Kenzie Hughes; his siblings, Eugene (Ellen) Brookhouse, Joseph (Kathy) Madrigrano Jr., Mary Joy Madrigrano, Karen (William) Isaacson, Gene Madrigrano, and Daniel Madrigrano; his mother-in-law, Ellen Shuemate; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Karla) Shuemate, and his sister and brother-in-law, Tammy (Jerry) Konitzer.
Funeral services were held privately. Those desiring may consider memorial remembrances to the Shirley Madrigrano Endowment for the Arts, c/o Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, 1330- 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140.
Jill Z says
My deepest sympathy to the Madrigrano family. I will always remember Glenn as a kind, friendly, hardworking guy who loved to have fun. I hope your many memories of good times with Glenn and the knowledge that he is now resting easy help to ease the pain of your loss.
Tom Tenuta & family. says
Glenn was a great man who helped many people and organizations , as well as a dedicated family man . He seemed to know how to have fun time as well. He will be missed.
John Landa says
One of the greats! Glenn will be missed.
Marlene Broesch says
You will always be missed Glenn💔
Rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻
RALPH C. LEESE says
See you in Heaven Glenn!
Anonymous says
Sorry auntie barb for your loss.
Dan and Jodi Madrigrano
George Becker says
Remember 38 ave bunch and watching him play drums in rock band. Also playing baseball on Schlitz team. Good times. Rest in peace.
Sincerely George P. Becker
Mike Vernezze says
My condolences to the entire Madrigrano family. Glenn and I go way back; from the basketball ball court at St.Joes playing for the legendary Dick Versace, to my delivering beer days at CJW, and to our love for the game of golf. They didn’t come more competitive than Glenn and most of the time he came on top.
Kelly and Joyce Infusino says
So sorry to hear about Glen’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Barb and to the entire family.
Kelly and Joyce Infusino
Kevin Mullarkey says
Glen, you are truly one of a kind. Thank you for your friendship and always
Making the good times better.
Kevin & Sharon Mullarkey
Frank & Tamara Infusino says
Our sincere condolences to Glenn’s family and the entire Madrigrano family upon hearing of his passing.
Rita Tenuta says
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire Madrigrano family! I worked with Glenn in the early 70’s at CJW. He was fun to with. May he rest in peace!
Mike and Pam Thomey says
Our sincere condolences to the entire family
Richard and Jean Ayers says
Our most sincere condolences to the Madrigrano family on the passing of Glenn. His voice hinted at the depth of the man, his smile and laugh were contagious. He was our friend, and will be missed.
Richard and Jean Ayers
Anonymous says
Barb and family. So sorry about Glenn. I am sure it’s been a difficult
Few years. I went to st.Mary’s with him. I will say since then,
When I did see him, he was always very kind and his smile made all that even nicer. God bless him.
Carol sichmeller
Gary & Gerry Lipor says
Our sympathy and prayers to the entire Madrigrano family. May he RaiP.
DJ Severson says
My deepest condolences to Barb and family. Glenn was instrumental in helping me start my career in the beer business here in Chippewa Falls, WI. I first meet Glenn at “The Citrus” in La Quinta where I lived and worked and we became friends at the course quickly. Once me and my wife decided to move back to Wisconsin he reached out to some friends in the beer business and helped me get a job before we moved back. 13 years later I’m still at General Beer. Thanks Glenn and Barb for your friendship and you’ll be missed!
Karen McDonald says
My Deepest Condolences. I’m sure Jack and Glenn are playing a round of golf in heaven. Glenn was always such fun. May God Bless the family.
Bud & Sandy Missureli says
Our deepest sympathy
Charles Geldernick says
Knew Glenn when I lived in Kenosha and Racine. Even worked for him at CJW. Kinda lost touch when I retired to Florida. Rip ole friend. My condolences to your family.