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Otto H. Rachals
(1897 - 1984)
Mayor Otto H. Rachals 1955 - 1959
Otto Rachals was born January 1, 1897, in Langlade County, WI, to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rachals. He grew up in Antigo, WI, and moved to Green Bay in 1924. He married Gertrude Moore in 1925. They had no children.
Otto was employed by Northern Paper Mill for many years and served as alderman of the 11th Ward for thirteen years prior to his election as mayor.
In 1955, he was elected mayor on the strength of his opposition to a water pipeline to Lake Michigan. He served two terms as mayor from 1955 to 1959.
The pipeline issue was carried to the state Supreme Court. The Court ruled in November 1955 that the city did not have jurisdiction in the case. The court ruled that it was a management problem for the city's water utility.
Despite his opposition, the $6.5 million water system which extends for 26 miles from Lake Michigan to the city went into operation in August 1957. The system replaced ten city wells. Prior to the pipeline, the city frequently had to issue sprinkling bans to conserve necessary water pressure.
During his tenure as mayor, the present city hall was built, Lambeau Field was constructed, the Packerland Industrial Park on the city's west side was created, and the initial steps were taken for "Gregby I," the downtown redevelopment project.
Rachals often described himself as a firm conservative, which led to numerous squabbles with the City Council.
He was defeated for a third term in 1959 by Roman Denissen. He became an unsuccessful candidate for alderman and twice sought the nomination for the 8th District Congressional seat but never received the support of the Democratic Party.
In 1965, during another campaign for mayor, Otto said the city needed three new bridges, all of which have since been constructed; Tower Drive Bridge (I-43), Monroe Avenue over the East River and Mason Street.
In 1977, due to failing health, he moved into Glenn Wood Nursing Center and lived there until he died on July 7, 1984, at age 80. While there, another controversy developed which led to a court suit. He had been in a local hospital for six days, and when he returned to the nursing home, his belongings had been moved to another room. He claimed the move was without proper notification and filed a lawsuit against the owner of the home. The case was disposed of when the court determined that Otto did not have cause for action.
