Obituary
Art Langlas, Milwaukee's ‘Mr. Auction,’ 65
Art Langlas, “Mr. Auction” both behind and in front of the camera for Milwaukee Public Television Friends, died Oct. 26 [2011] of complications after surgery. He was 65.
As auction director, Langlas raised $1 million a year over the past decade for the Wisconsin station. “He was the face of the auction,” Mike McKenzie, who now oversees the annual weeklong fundraiser, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “When he was out in public and someone recognized him, he really got a kick out of that.” As auction director, Langlas was responsible for supervising more than 2,000 volunteers and the acquisition and sale of some 20,000 items, the paper said. He also served as executive director of the MPTV Friends.
Ellis Bromberg, MPTV general manager, noted that the Great Channel 10 Auction “is still an event in southeastern Wisconsin, and it is an event because of him.” MPTV says it’s the top auction on PBS in the nation, based on net revenue.
Langlas is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy; daughter Amy Burns and husband Barry; son Rodolfo Handal; brother Royce Heller; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Greg Heller.
A funeral took place Nov. 2. The family suggests donations to MPTV Friends or Martin Luther Church, 9235 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
Questions, tips?
Copyright 2011 American University