Influential Madison businessman and philanthropist Jerome “Jerry” Frautschi died Thursday while vacationing in Florida, a representative of his foundation announced in a statement Friday afternoon. He was 94.
Frautschi was the former co-owner of the (now closed) Webcrafters printing company, but he is best known in Madison for exceptionally large philanthropic gifts, including more than $200 million that allowed for the construction of the Overture Center on State Street in downtown Madison.
“Jerry’s vision and generosity transformed Madison’s cultural landscape, most notably through his support of the arts and community development,” read the family’s announcement, adding that they plan to make no further statements…