GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The tradition of painting a prominent Packers-themed fence on Labor Day continues.
This season’s slogan has to do with honoring the man who owned the home, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year.
Fred Harrsch was 81-years-old when he passed away on January 9th.
“This was his favorite day of the year, so that’s why we chose to do his memorial service today,” said Dottie Harrsch, Fred’s sister-in-law.
Harrsch says every year on Labor Day, friends and family of Fred’s would come over to his home to repaint the fence for the new Packers season.
“Mark Murphy comes, and he starts the day off with us,” said Harrsch. “We have a nice day of fence painting and a tailgate party after that.”
Fred was an avid Packers fan since 1951. His family says he loved the people, the city and especially, the team.
“He said when he retired, he was going to come here, and he did,” said Harrsch. “Came here to be with the Pack.”
Fred was from New Jersey. When he moved in the home across from Lambeau Field, he kept the tradition of painting the fence.
A Packers-themed slogan has been seen on the fence each football season since 1984. In 2006, the City of Green Bay recognized the fence as one of its historical sites.
“Fred had always said he does not want a super professional painting,” said Bruce Kiel, one of Fred’s friends.
Kiel has been sketching out the paintings and letters for the fence for about 15 years.
“This is the way it was done the very first year — a couple guys with a can of beer, and they said, ‘Let’s put a sign on there,’” said Kiel. “So, it’s been that way ever since, and that’s the way Fred wanted it.”
This year’s slogan reads: “Hey Pack – Bring it Home for Fred.”
“I painted a picture over there, a nice picture that was our favorite of Fred painting the fence,” said Kiel. “I thought, ‘Well why don’t I put a Super Bowl trophy in his hand,’ and as we were talking it was, ‘We got to do something for Fred — they got to win the Super Bowl for Fred.’”
Fred’s family says he’d be beaming with joy to know the tradition is still being carried on.
“He would be thrilled because he loved the Packers, and this is his day,” said Harrsch. “I’m sure in heaven he’s smiling down and being very grateful for everyone coming. Go Pack Go and bring it home this year.”
The Packers open the 2022 season Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
