Cyril "Zeke" J. Backes

Cyril J. Backes, 93, of Green Bay, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, peacefully at his home.

He was born July 24, 1928, in New London, WI; one of 11 children, to the late William and Mary Backes. After graduation from New London High School, he enlisted in the Army and served overseas in Japan at the end of WWII. After completing his two years of service, he pursued a business career, working in accounting positions for a couple of different companies, where he met his future wife, Mary Louise Rebman. They were married in November 1952, and had three daughters and one son: Nancy, Cynthia, Mary, and Stephen. Cyril was a dedicated, hardworking, self-made man who was offered, and accepted, a position at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he worked as a business administrator for 10 years. In 1968 he was chosen by Chancellor Edward Weidner, the founding Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, to be head of the Business Services Department and Physical Plant, where he became one of the initial business administrators who helped to build and develop the four-year University of Wisconsin – Green Bay campus at its present site. Over the years, Cyril earned promotions ultimately becoming the Chancellor of Fiscal and Administrative Services. Cyril was described by Chancellor Weidner as “One of the most useful continuing members of the senior administration with an ability to present points of view contrary to my known preferences in a pleasant and yet convincing authority. I often find he is right! Mr. Backes is innovative in his suggestions, and the quality of his work is beyond reproach.” Cyril retired in the early 1990’s.

Cyril was an avid sports enthusiast, he was an accomplished golfer achieving a few “hole-in-ones” over the years, including one in which he was presented with a trophy at Shorewood Golf Course in 1993. He also enjoyed tennis, racquetball, swimming, waterskiing, and was an incredible fisherman. He and his wife, Mary Lou, loved UWGB Basketball, especially the women’s – they attended all the home games. In 2014 they received recognition on the center court as the “Season Ticket Holder of the Game”. He also loved card games and was incredible at bridge. In his later years he cherished his Friday afternoon Sheepshead sessions with his nephews and friends. Cyril loved his family, friends, and neighbors, was also extremely dedicated to his religion, and would want you to be kind to all people. Cyril was also an encyclopedia of “Dad” jokes, and always managed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Cyril is survived by his four children: Nancy (Greg) Thome of Pleasanton, CA; Cynthia (Dr. David) Olsen, of Appleton, WI; Mary (Peter) Utic of Green Bay, WI; and Stephen (Deb) Backes of Green Bay, WI. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, and all his siblings except one: Rita Denissen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to stjude.org or your favorite charity.

Visitation for Cyril to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, from 9am to 10:45am at Resurrection Catholic Church (333 Hilltop Dr. Green Bay) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Father Robert Karuhn officiating. Military Honors will follow, entombment will be at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum, Allouez.

Cotter Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.