Dan Gelatt was born to Jane and Charles Gelatt on September 5, 1947 in La Crosse, WI. Dan is a proud member of the 1965 graduating class from Central High School where he was co-Valedictorian. Throughout his elementary, middle, and high school careers, Dan was honored with several awards and always performed at the top of his class. He attended the National Science Foundation Summer School in North Dakota in 1963 and in California in 1964. Dan was honored as the elected Governor of the 1965 Youth in Government Program where he was able to learn about state government and participate in model legislative sessions. While in high school, Dan was also the statistician of football and basketball, a member of the debate team of which he went to state twice, and a member of the track team his senior year until getting pneumonia.

After graduating from Central High school, Dan went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for three semesters before attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he majored in Physics, Math and Economics. He graduated with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in 1969. Dan then received his PhD in Physics from Harvard University.

Dan began his professional career in 1974 as an Assistant Professor of Physics at Harvard University followed by three years at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. From 1982 until he retired in 2021, Dan worked and owned Northern Micrographics and NMT Corporation. He also served as CEO of Gelatt Corporation and Elmwood Real Estate Corporation and was President of Ginkgo LLC. Dan’s other business activities include serving on the Board of Northern Engraving, Principal Financial Group and Trust Point.

Dan has always believed strongly in making a difference, and he has done so for several institutions and organizations, the Boys & Girls Club being one of many. In 1983, Dan joined the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors thanks to his close connection to one of the Club’s founders, Emil Niemeyer. Dan served on the Club’s Board for 41 years and offered countless hours of his time, provided a multitude of knowledge, and invested in programs to help support youth in our community. Dan has been a big part of the Club’s growth and success over the years. Dan has also served on the Gundersen Medical Foundation Board, La Crosse Public Library Board and the Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Dan has always had a love for learning and enjoyed his many experiences professionally. However, through it all, family has always been a priority in Dan’s life. On June 14, 1969, Dan married Roberta Kaplan with whom he enjoyed 49 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2018. Together, they had two daughters, Andrea, and Julia. Dan later married Susan Amundson Iverson in 2021 and now has three additional stepchildren, Elizabeth, Adam, and Alex. Today, Dan and Susan are not only proud parents, but they are also the proud grandparents to their 12 grandchildren.

The entire La Crosse community is a better place thanks to Dan Gelatt. The Club cannot thank Dan enough for his years of dedication. He has made a tremendous impact on the mission to serve all youth and help them reach their full potential.