Quad/Graphics President Found Dead in Lake

CHENEQUA, WI--Harry V. Quadracci, 66, who grew Pewaukee, WI-based Quad/Graphics from a startup company, funded by taking out a second mortgage on his home, into the largest privately-held commercial printer in the United States, died July 29.

Mr. Quadracci's body was found at approximately 3 p.m. that day in about four and a half feet of water in Pine Lake near his home here, according to Chenequa Police. His family had contacted Chenequa police around 12:30 p.m. to report Mr. Quadracci missing.

The cause of death is under investigation, according to Robert Douglas, chief of police. The Waukesha County Medical Examiners office will conduct an autopsy.

Mr. Quadracci opened Quad/Graphics in 1971 with just 11 employees, a leased press and a loaner binder in a 20,000-sq.ft facility in Pewaukee. Today, the company employs 10,000 workers at 35 facilities generating $1.8 billion in annual sales.

Mr. Quadracci is survived by his wife, Betty, publisher of Milwaukee Magazine; four children, Richard, Joel, Kathryn and Elizabeth; and two brothers, Tom and Leonard.

Richard is owner of Quadracci Engineering while Joel and Elizabeth are in sales and marketing at Quad/Graphics. Tom is an executive vice president for Quad as well as president of Quad/Tech International. Leonard is president of Quad/Med, an affiliate that manages employee health.