Dick Lommen graduated from Central High School in 1962 and has been a lifelong resident of La Crosse. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-La Crosse in 1968. Soon after he purchased his first McDonald’s store thereby fulfilling a dream of owning and operating his own business.

However, one store was not enough. He now operates seven McDonald’s Restaurants in the La Crosse areas. His dedication to excellence has earned him several regional and national awards given form promoting area growth of the McDonald’s system of service and quality.

Despite a very busy life, Dick has always been a community minded individual. His interests in young people is evidenced by his past involvement in the La Crosse Boy Choir and his continuing support of the Special Olympics Swim Team. Dick’s interest in the Boys and Girls Club of La Crosse began with the involvement of his son, Leigh. Initially, his Corporation bought a set of uniforms for a basketball team. Soon after, the McDonald’s logo appeared on other uniforms worn by various athletic teams at the Club. Today, all Basketball teams at the Club are sponsored by McDonald’s. In 1986, the McDonald’s sponsorship encompassed the entire Youth Developmental athletic programs. But his support does not end here.

There are a total of six Boys Club/McDonald’s Basketball Tournaments, which he currently sponsors. These tournaments have grown both in size and reputation throughout the Midwest and are now considered the standard by which all other tournaments are judged. Without this support, these standards of excellence would not have been attainable.

The annual Backcourt Award, given as a result of his support of the Club Basketball Program, was presented to Dick at the Annual Dinner of Champions Banquet in 1984. He also was a contributor to the building campaign for a new club. In 1989, Dick established the McDonald’s Youth Achievement Scholarship Award. This honor will be presented annually to an active Club member that chooses to further his or her education at a college or university.



Dick and Cherry Lommen have two sons. Leigh is a junior at Logan High School and Rick is a student at Marquette Law School.