Jeff Goldapske – Appleton, WI
Jeff has been a die hard Packers fan from the start, and to his family and friends is already a staple of Packers' history. One of the things that brought him and our Mom together was their shared love and passion for Packers football. Jeff thought he would surprise his new girl with tickets to a preseason game for one of their first "official dates." He was so excited to take Mom to Lambeau field and when they settled into their seats in the nosebleeds he turned to her and exclaimed, "well what do you think?" Our Mom leaned into him and said, "well do you see those seats down there, in the front row? Those are my family's season ticket seats!" They shared a good laugh and went on to create a wonderful life together, and of course never sat in the nosebleeds again!
Fast forward to December 26th, 1993. If you are a diehard Packers fan, you already know what happened that day. Jeff and his brother attended the game together, and you guessed it. He was in the front row, arms wide open, to be one of the lucky fans to catch LeRoy Butler for the very first Lambeau Leap! It's a memory that will never fade for him, and I know it's cherished even more after the passing of his brother. To my knowledge, Jeff is the only remaining fan still sitting in the front row who was there that day.
Jeff is far too humble to ever brag about the fact that he was there that day. He just continues to support his team, and quietly smiles every time the clip of the leap is played. He instilled the love for Packers football and tradition in his daughter, and I have been fortunate to grow up sitting in the seat next to him. He also gave me the ultimate ice breaker answer to the "two truths and a lie" prompt. Jeff is exactly what you would envision a Packers fan to be, loyal, humble, and kind. He is a shareholder, and of course has a basement decked out in green and gold. To be elected to the fan hall of fame would mean the world to him, and to me, his daughter. Jeff is not just a fan, he's a living piece of Packers history, the story from the other side of the Lambeau Leap.
Patrick Hare – Moreno Valley, CA
Being a fan isn't something you turn on when the season starts and off when it ends—it's a lifelong commitment, a part of who you are. My journey as a Green Bay Packers fan began when I was a kid sitting on the couch next to my grandfather, watching legends like Brett Favre, Reggie White, and later Aaron Rodgers carve their names into football history. Those moments didn't just make me love a team; they helped shape the person I became. The Packers have been a thread woven through every chapter of my life, from childhood memories to military service and now into adulthood.
For over twenty years, I've supported this team with pride, intensity, and loyalty—whether from the stands, on deployments overseas, or at home building a man cave filled with memories, signatures, and stories. My collection includes signed helmets, jerseys, photos, and iconic pieces from every era of Packers greatness. But the heart of my fandom isn't in the memorabilia—it's in the meaning behind it. Every item represents a moment, a comeback, a lesson, or a feeling that only Packers fans truly understand.
During my ten years serving in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces defender, the Packers were my reminder of home. No matter where I was stationed or deployed, Sundays meant gathering with whoever I could find—sometimes one other fan, sometimes an entire room of service members—to watch the green and gold take the field. Those games built camaraderie, lifted spirits, and created pockets of normalcy during difficult times. The Packers didn't just give me something to cheer for—they gave me something to believe in.
As a shareholder and lifelong supporter, I've carried that same passion into the community. I proudly represent the team everywhere I go, from wearing Packers gear nearly every day to engaging with fans across the country. I've taken part in charity raffles, helped introduce new fans to the team's rich history, and shared the relentless optimism that defines Packers Nation. When I visited Lambeau Field for the first time this year it felt less like stadium and more like a second home.
What makes Packers fandom special is that it's bigger than one person—it's a family that spans generations. My goal is to honor that tradition by continuing to embody the values the Packers inspire: loyalty, resilience, integrity, and heart. Being nominated for the 2025 Fan Hall of Fame isn't about recognition for me; it's about recognizing the impact this team has had on my life and the countless others who feel the same way.
I'm proud to be a fan who stands tall in victory, stands firm in defeat, and stands loyal through every chapter. The Packers have given me memories, motivation, and meaning—and I hope to represent our incredible fanbase with the same pride that the green and gold have inspired in me for more than two decades. Go Pack Go—today, tomorrow, and always.
Jeff Lanier
When I read they were looking for a person for the Packer FAN Hall of Fame - I immediately thought of my Brother in Law -Jeff Lanier. He is a devoted Packer Fan who loves the team and the players in good times and bad.
Jeff Lanier first bought Packer season tickets for Milwaukee County Stadium. He changed jobs so that he could get a job in Green Bay to be closer to the Packers. When he was married in 1984, He invited Bart Starr to his wedding, and all of the groomsmen wore Green Bay Packer socks. The Packer "G" was painted on the side of the barn and was the backdrop for wedding pictures. Jeff still has the letter from Bart Starr sending his regrets that he would be unable to attend the wedding.
During the era of "VCR's", Jeff recorded every game on a separate tape and he still has the collection. He attends every game, every shareholder meeting and all the Packer Special Events in Green Bay, he has traveled to other stadiums to see the Packers play and even attended the Packer game in London. His house is filled with Packer pictures and mementos of Packer lore.
After retiring he worked for the Boys and Girls club in Green Bay and helped organize the sale of donated Packer tickets to raise money for the Boys and Girls club.
He is very involved with his church in Green Bay and he helps organize the parking in the church parking lot for Packer games and Packer events which helps support the church.
He has been fighting pancreatic cancer for a couple of years and asked his doctor to plan the treatments so that he could be healthy for the Packer games. For every cancer treatment, he researched which Packer was a Hall of Famer for that number -- so treatment number l- was Curly Lambeau, treatment number 2 was Dave Robinson, treatment number 3 was Tony Canadeo, treatment number 4 was Brett Favre, etc. He would tell the nurses why that Packers was in the Hall of Fame. The nurses enjoyed hearing the stories and they started asking him - Who is it this time? The Packers gave him something positive to think about as he was going through his treatments. He is fortunately in remission at this time and is enjoying attending all of the 2025/2026 Packer games in Green Bay with family and friends.
Lorraine Mueller – Wittenberg, WI
For her 102nd birthday on September 4, 2025 she received a box from the Packers containing a hat, a blanket and an autographed Packer football. She loves all of this and thanks you so much.
Lorraine has been to many Packer games but for the last nine years she has been confined to the Homme Home due to a stroke.
Packer game day is the highlight of her week. She paints her nails in green and gold and dresses in Packer hat and clothes. Lorraine also wears Packer Jewelry that she makes. She has made over 3000 necklaces, bracelets, leaves and gnomes. Lorraine gives these away and also sells them for $1.00. This is how she spends her day.
I am her 81 year old daughter and I sell her jewelry for her to help pay her bills. She is deaf in both ears and a stroke took her sight in one eye and makes all the jewelry with just one eye. Making Packer jewelry and watching the Packer game itself, gives her something to look forward to.
Please consider Lorraine for "Fan of the Year". And thank you so much - you keep her living with a purpose.
Mark Murphy – La Crosse, WI
My dad just turned 60 this past year, and I've spent every one of my 25 years trying to figure out what to get the man who already owns everything Green Bay Packers. So, here's my gift: nominating Mark Murphy, the REAL Mark Murphy, for the Fan Hall of Fame. Because honestly, I think they got the wrong guy when they picked the team president.
My first memory isn't a birthday or Christmas; it's the sea of green and gold that colored my entire childhood. My mom was in labor with me during a Packers game, and Dad made her wait until it ended before rushing to the hospital. She had me 41 minutes after arrival. I was born at 3:41pm, so technically I didn't make Dad miss kickoff, but Mom says I was her most painful delivery. Worth it though, right? Even my entrance into this world had to work around the Packers schedule.
Dad has hemophilia and could never play football, so instead he became the most devoted student of the game. Ask him about any player who's worn green and gold, any game from the last five decades, any statistic, he knows it. His knowledge and passion have earned him friendships with Packer's legends like Lynn Dickey and Paul Coffman. Murphy's Frame and Axle in La Crosse WI isn't just his business; it's a Packers shrine with green and gold tile floors. He even has commercials for the shop with said retired packers players, and customers come as much to talk football as to get their cars fixed. Sometimes I think they show up just to hear Dad break down what went wrong in Sunday's game, because if anyone knows better than the coaches, it's him. My brother Noah practically grew up at Lambeau Field. Dad took him to countless games, introduced him to players, created memories that shaped who Noah is today. Packers Sundays aren't just games in our family, they're sacred. We gather, we celebrate, we live and die by every play. Dad taught us that being a Packers fan isn't just about football; it's about community, loyalty, and tradition.
His expertise has paid off too; my brother and I dominate our fantasy leagues and sports betting pools thanks to Dad's encyclopedic football knowledge. I never saw him wear anything but Packer's gear until I went to college. Even then, he only caved because my school colors were, you guessed it, green and gold. And yes, I've set the family standard: I won't even consider dating someone who isn't a Packers fan.
Through chronic pain and adversity, Dad has persevered with the same dedication he shows his Packers. He's taught us what real loyalty looks like, what passion means, and how a community comes together around something bigger than themselves. Mark Murphy shares more than a name with a former team president, he shares the same unwavering love for this team. He deserves this recognition. Go Pack Go.
Dean Schmitz – Wausau, WI
A True Green Bay Fan: Dean Schmitz's Journey
From his first trip to Lambeau Field as a young boy, Dean Schmitz has embodied the spirit of a true Green Bay Packers fan. At 54 years old, Dean's life has been a testament to perseverance and passion, especially as he battles a rare brain cancer that challenges his cognition and daily life. Yet, through it all, his love for and dedication to the Packers remains unwavering.
Dean's journey as a Packers fan began as a young boy attending games with his father. Those early experiences ignited a lifelong passion. In 1997, Dean was fortunate enough to secure his own season tickets. He made as many games as he could until he could no longer drive. Despite the toll his illness has taken, Dean still makes it a priority to attend at least one game a year with his wife and two kids, creating lasting memories in the stands.
No matter how the Packers perform, Dean is a beacon of fandom, reminding friends and family to wear their green and gold on "Packer Fridays" and game days. His man cave, adorned with memorabilia collected over the years, including an autographed Brett Favre jersey, reflects his deep love for the team.
Dean's battle with brain cancer has been fraught with challenges, affecting his ability to communicate and process information. However, his determination to keep moving forward is remarkable. Rarely does he let despair take hold; instead, he greets visitors with a big smile and is always ready to tackle the next task, no matter how difficult it is for him. His silent strength and resilience are a testament to his character, proving that quitting is simply not an option.
Before his illness disabled him, Dean was a civil engineer who loved volunteering with Engineers Without Borders. His trips to Guatemala, where he helped build bridges, were some of the most fulfilling experiences of his life. He fondly recalls watching Packers playoff games with fellow fans while in Guatemala, a reminder of how deeply the team is woven into the fabric of his life. Dean has hoped to one day take his kids on a similar journey, sharing the lessons of life in a developing country.
One of Dean's most treasured memories is meeting Ed Hochuli and Don Majkowski on the field after the 2005 Pittsburgh game. He had been on the field earlier in his life, with pride, representing his school as the drum major for the Chilton marching band at Lambeau Field. Lambeau is his favorite place to be, second only to home!
Dean Schmitz is not just a fan; he is a symbol of unwavering loyalty and strength amidst an extremely difficult diagnosis. His passion for the Green Bay Packers transcends the game itself, reflecting a spirit of resilience that inspires those around him. Winning entry into the Packers Hall of Fame would not only honor Dean's dedication and strength but also celebrate a life profoundly impacted by the love of the game.
Daniel Schneider
My 83-year-old father is the very definition of a Green Bay Packers fan. For more than eight decades, the Packers have been woven into the fabric of his life—through childhood, through his years of service to our country, through raising a family, and now into his later years. His loyalty has never wavered. Whether the team was celebrating championships or rebuilding for the future, he showed up with the same unwavering pride, wearing his green and gold with joy in his heart.
As a veteran, my father understands commitment, sacrifice, and standing behind something you believe in. Those qualities mirror the way he has supported the Packers his entire life. What he loves about the team—their grit, their heart, their drive—is exactly what he has lived by. To him, the Packers aren't just a football team; they are a source of comfort, connection, and lifelong memories.
Some of the most meaningful moments in our family came from sitting beside him, learning the game through his eyes. He taught us football by watching every kickoff and celebrating every touchdown together. Sundays weren't just football days—they were family days, shaped by his enthusiasm and the warmth he brought into the room. Because of him, all of us grew into football fans. His son and all three of his grandsons even went on to play high school football, inspired by the love of the game he passed down to us. The Packers weren't just on the screen—they became part of who we are as a family.
Even now, at 83, his excitement hasn't faded one bit. He still leans forward during big plays, cowboy hat on his head, still cheers with the energy of a man half his age. Watching him watch the Packers is a reminder of everything he has poured into his life: passion, loyalty, joy, and love. His devotion is steady, heartfelt, and deeply genuine.
The Packers Fan Hall of Fame exists to honor fans who embody the true spirit of this franchise, and my father is the perfect example of that spirit. He has lived it, shared it, and passed it down through generations. His story isn't just about football; it's about the legacy of a man whose love for the Packers helped shape the people we became. Honoring him would recognize not only his lifelong dedication, but also the many fans like him—veterans, parents, grandparents—whose hearts have helped keep the Green Bay tradition alive. He would be humbled beyond words. And there is truly no one more deserving.
Valerie Smick – Yorkville, IL
The first thing you notice is her wide smile. It is inescapable. Whether it's the off season or a game week, Valerie Ann Smick – my goddaughter and niece – is grinning. What follows next depends on whether the Green Bay Packers are playing that day. Game day means she is wearing her green and gold jersey. Val loves wearing that jersey, but will only don it on Packers game days. Game day means Val will be spending the day in the basement, which is decorated with Cheeseheads, posters and assorted Green & Gold paraphernalia. Strategically placed throughout are autographed footballs and jerseys of Packers past and present; her favorites being Brett Favre and Jordy Nelson. So too is her share in the Team framed and proudly hanging on her wall. And all she will want to talk to you about is today's game and what it means for the Packers' chance to go to the Super Bowl. Win or lose, game days are good days.
Any other day of the year, she will provide an update of the most recent Packer news and events. One of her earliest memories is watching Super Bowl XXXI with her dad, and every year is the year the Pack may go back. She knows more about every player, every game, every season of the Packers than most, and will tell you about trade rumors, days left before the preseason starts, and when she will be able to pick her 2 home games from the handicapped-accessible seating lottery. She might tell you that she volunteers at the annual Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation charity golf event to hopefully meet a player or two.
Or, in a lucky year, she may regale you about how she has convinced her parents to visit – again - the Packers Hall of Fame, take another stadium tour or catch a sideline pass. Living deep in Chicago Bears country, Valerie loves escaping to Green Bay for a booster shot of the Packers and check out "her" seats for the upcoming season. She might also point you to the area where her surprise 30th birthday party was held at Lambeau!
Val was born in 1985 Chicago with a debilitating disability that severely limits her mobility. But she does not let that define her. Rather, she is a lifelong Packer fan and faces her life's challenges as such. Win or lose, game day or off season, for almost 40 years now Val looks forward to the next play, the next game or the next season. And, after flashing her introductory smile, will happily tell you all about her Team.
Patrick Suplicki – Stevens Point, WI
My father, Pat, had the honor of being a finalist for the Packer Fan Hall of Fame in 2020. In his own words, "Being nominated and selected as a finalist is the ultimate honor for a Packers fan. It's one of the greatest ways I can honor my father, Elgie, who introduced me to the Packers at age three, and all the fans in my family—those who came before me and those who will carry on the tradition after I'm gone." Now, after beating cancer, we want to make his dreams of induction a reality this year!
Since childhood, Pat has been a die-hard Packers fan, with some of his fondest memories being spent watching games with his father, Elgie. Pat's love for the team only grew stronger when, in high school, he dreamed of playing for the Packers. Tragically, an ACL injury in his junior year ended his football career. But instead of giving up, Pat found new ways to stay connected to the game, focusing on coaching and, of course, cheering on the Packers with unwavering dedication.
In 2023, Pat faced the greatest challenge of his life: a diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a rare cancer in his neck. After 36 rounds of radiation, his future seemed uncertain. He feared he wouldn't survive to see the birth of his third grandchild that November. But he fought with all his strength, showing the same resilience that he's always shown, he won that battle, and was declared cancer free in 2024!
Long before his cancer diagnosis, Pat began working on turning our unfinished basement into the ultimate Packers shrine—a place for family and friends to gather. However, after losing his father to cancer during this time, he paused the project. Yet, just as he had fought through his cancer, he completed the basement, a tribute to his father and a lasting legacy of his love for the Packers. The basement, completed after five years of work, is a Packers heaven filled with memorabilia, photos, and signatures. The ceiling is painted to resemble Lambeau Field, and everything is covered in Packers, even the ceiling fan! This room has become the heart of our family's Packers celebrations, where we gather for every game, cheering together with the same passion that Pat learned from my grandfather.
Now a grandfather himself, he shares his love for the Packers with his grandson and two granddaughters, passing the torch of fandom to the next generation. The joy of watching the games together has become a cherished tradition, one that unites his family and strengthens their bond through the Green and Gold.
Pat's dedication to the Packers is lifelong, his battle with cancer only strengthened his resolve and appreciation for life, for family, and for the Green Bay Packers. We want to give him this recognition, to honor a man who has given so much to his family and him being inducted into The Fan Hall of Fame would do just that!
Thomas Thrall – Durham, NC
We would like to nominate my husband Tom for the 2025 Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. First and foremost, he is a fantastic husband and father of two. Our oldest son finished Grad school this year and our youngest is a freshman in college. No matter how busy Tom gets with work or life he always finds the time to spend with our kids who have very different interests. We have called Durham North Carolina home for the last 25 ½ years. For the last 24 years Tom has worked for the Durham Police Department. Tom has held different roles over the years, but for the past 5 years he has held a spot as a federal Task Force Officer on the Violent Crimes task force. He has been decorated for proudly serving his community over the years.
On top of his regular duties with the police Department he gives extra time and helps teach at the police academy in several different blocks of instruction. He takes pride in helping shape the next generation of officers in Durham and makes sure that the city gets the best to serve and protect. On top of being an awesome husband, father and police officer, he must be one of the biggest Green Bay Packers fans around. His father was from Green Lake Wisconsin, and despite growing up in Buffalo Bills country (Rochester NY) Tom grew up in a Green Bay Packers house.
Tom has the countless jerseys, keepsakes and collectables you would expect from a Green Bay fan. In fact, that is now the décor in our gust bedroom. We were able to make him an Owner, and it is very proudly displayed in the Green Bay Packers room. Tom and his father were able to go to there first game at Lambeau Filed in 2018. They were at the "Big Comeback" game against the bears. Tom still talks about it and will show the pictures to anyone he can. Even as I type this, I can hear the story start, "My dad and I were fourth row for the home opener of the 100th season". It has definitely been a favorite memory for him. With his career, he often has to work on game days, but he will always have his favorite game day shirt on under his bulletproof vest and he finds a way to listen to the game and find a way to see parts of it.
Tom has always given so much to his family and our city. We are hoping that this is a way to give something back to him. This would certainly be a crowning moment for a Green Bay Packers fan.
Tom is the ultimate Husband, Father and Packers Fan! Thank you for considering him.
