Oscar C. Boldt Leaves a Legacy

Oscar C. Boldt, 96, passed away the morning of June 9, 2020 with his son and wife at his side. With dedication, entrepreneurship and consummate business ethics, Oscar C. Boldt spent more than half a century transforming the family business his grandfather founded in 1889 into one of the nation’s largest and most highly respected construction firms. The Boldt Company is a member of multiple AGC chapters.

In addition to working his full time job of building a company, he and his wife Pat took on another full time job of  helping to build the communities in which he worked. They are benefactors of countless charitable organizations touching the arts, children, healthcare, education, and the environment. He volunteered in leadership roles on the boards of Appleton Medical Center, the Community Foundation for the Fox River Valley, Lawrence University, and was an active member of Appleton Rotary. He was honored during his lifetime with numerous awards from the University of Wisconsin and other institutions, and was inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2003.

In a note to the company’s 2,000 team members nationwide, CEO Tom Boldt said of his father: “My Dad was extremely proud of all our field and office employees. He loved the company and the positive impact it has had on so many customers and communities. He was excited about what we will be capable of in the future.  And, he wanted us to have fun doing it!”

“Oscar built a business based on honesty, and fairness, hard work, performance and a passionate love for construction,” said President and COO Dave Kievet. “These are principles that guide our team members on a daily basis and are the foundation of our culture.”

“Oscar’s energy and charisma were legendary and he inspired us all,” said Jim Rossmeissl, a senior executive and member of The Boldt Company’s board of directors. 

“For 50 years, Oscar provided a powerful vision to grow our company and create a culture of excellence for team members who are still working with us today,” said Bob DeKoch, past president and board member, Oscar C. Boldt learned construction under his father, Oscar J. Boldt’s guidance. After serving as a B-24 navigator in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin—Madison. In 1950, he became the third generation of his family to assume leadership of the company.

Oscar was active in the company up until his passing. The family is planning a private funeral and a memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Highlights from Oscar C. Boldt’s life and career:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award | Ernst & Young Master
Community Service Award | Walter L. Rugland
Regent’s Award | St. Olaf College
Executive of the Year Award | Sales and Marketing Executives of Northeast Wisconsin Renaissance Award | Arts Alliance
Inductee | Paper Industry International Hall of Fame
Distinguished Constructor Award | American Society of Civil Engineers
Honorary Degree | Ripon College
Honorary Degree | Lawrence University
Wisconsin Horizon Award

Bachelor Degree, civil engineering | University of Wisconsin – Madison
Distinguished Service Citation
Chi Epsilon National Civil Engineering Honor Society
Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Alumni Award | University of Wisconsin Construction Club
One of Three Founding Fathers of Construction Engineering and Management Program, University of Wisconsin--Madison

Board member | Appleton Medical Center
Member | Appleton Rotary Club
Executive committee member | Community Foundation for Fox Valley Region, Inc.
Board of Trustees, Executive Committee | Lawrence University
Elder | Memorial Presbyterian