22 Facts About Lee Joannes

Lee Joannes, born Joseph Leland Heath Joannes and known as Leland Joannes, was a businessman and American football executive.

Lee Joannes was part of The Hungry Five, a group of businessmen who are credited with keeping the Green Bay Packers in operation during numerous financially difficult times.

Lee Joannes served on the Packers board of directors for over 58 years in various roles, including chairman, president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and director emeritus.

Lee Joannes was born on October 17,1892, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Emma Joannes.

Lee Joannes attended Green Bay East High School until his graduation in 1912.

Lee Joannes went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1917.

Lee Joannes began working for the Lee Joannes Brothers Company in 1916 with his cousin Harold, who started in 1911.

Harold served as president and Lee Joannes served as vice president, with both cousins having an ownership interest after their fathers left the business.

The business served the Wisconsin region for many years and was ultimately sold to SuperValu, Inc of Minnesota in 1957, although Lee Joannes retired and sold his interest in the business in 1945.

Lee Joannes founded the Grocers Equipment Services corporation in the 1940s.

Lee Joannes was elected to the first executive committee and board of directors of the corporation, where he would serve as secretary and treasurer for seven years.

Lee Joannes helped lead the team during World War II, when multiple NFL players were called into service and were unable to compete.

Lee Joannes retired as president and from the executive committee in 1947 to focus on his grocery business.

Lee Joannes was reelected to the executive committee in 1950 where he helped organize the third stock sale after the departure of co-founder Curly Lambeau.

Lee Joannes served on the executive committee for nine more years, holding the titles of chairman of the board from 1950 to 1953 and vice president from 1953 to 1959.

Lee Joannes was given the title director emeritus from 1980 to 1982.

Lee Joannes married Helen Gittins of DePere, Wisconsin on June 17,1920.

Lee Joannes had one step-son from the marriage: William Baker.

Lee Joannes personally loaned the team money and led two separate stock sales.

Lee Joannes served on the Packers board of directors for 58 years, making him the longest tenured director in team history.

Lee Joannes represented the Packers on various NFL committees during his time on the board.

In recognition of his various contributions, Lee Joannes was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1981.