Edward Lump '60

Edward Joseph Lump '60 began his collegiate studies at Carroll University, where he played varsity football and initially joined Tau Kappa Epsilon. He transferred to the University of Wisconsion-Madison in 1961 where he would eventually become TKE’s president and obtain his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1964.

Ed studied law for two years after graduating but decided to change course and accepted a job with Procter and Gamble in Milwaukee where he met the love of his life, Susan. The two of them got married, started a family, and moved to Madison.Ed then embarked on the career path he would follow for the rest of his life. He became the founder and co-owner of the Brat und Brau restaurants and, later, the EJ Lump & Co. Foodservice Consulting Firm.

After several successful years as a restaurateur, Ed became President and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association which he headed for 36 years before retiring in 2018. A strong leader and passionate advocate for the restaurant industry, he inspired many and embodied the spirit of the industry. Along with growing WRA membership fifteen-fold during his stewardship, Ed expanded and strengthened the statewide tradeshow, established a political action committee, and provided a wide range of valuable services for the association’s members. His work resulted in countless legislative victories that improved the environment for restaurants in the state– including the September 1st school start and a smoking ban that leveled the playing field for all businesses. A strong believer in education, Ed established the WRA Education Foundation and scholarship program and launched Pro Start in the state. Today, this curriculum and mentoring program has 110 participating schools.

Outside of work, Ed was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles Parish in Hartland. He was an active member of the Thursday Morning Men’s Worship Group and led his small group bible study. Also a spiritual advisor at St. Vincent DePaul and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Hartland, his love for his community was unmistakable.

Ed loved to stay active. An avid golfer who adored sporting clays and bowling, he appreciated the finer things in life. His great pleasures included great food and great wine: whether enjoyed out in a restaurant, cooked at home, or discovered during his travels both around the state and abroad. Ed never stopped feeding his curious mind with his lifelong love for reading about history, politics, and current affairs but cherished time with his family above all.