Michael Aubinger, 63, Ashwaubenon, former publisher of The Press — serving Ashwaubenon, Hobart and Howard-Suamico — died Thursday, March 30, 2017 after battling melanoma cancer.
Born July 26, 1953, he grew up in Ashwaubenon, in the shadow of Lambeau Field, where he delivered the local newspaper. Aubinger was a graduate of Ashwaubenon High School and completed his undergraduate and some graduate studies at UW-Oshkosh, where he had a double-major in journalism and communications. While at Oshkosh, he met his future wife of 34 years, Annette.
The Ashwaubenon Press was founded in 1970 by Aubinger’s mother, Lois. Aubinger worked for the newspaper as a journalist until her death, when he became the owner, editor and publisher. The name of the newspaper was changed to The Press as Mike and Annette expanded its coverage area to include Hobart and Howard-Suamico. He also started Prestige Printing, sold the business, and then started AM Communications, crafting and printing resumes.
Aubinger had served as president of the village of Ashwaubenon since 2009 and announced a leave of absence to focus on his health shortly before his death. He had served on the Ashwaubenon School Board and was active in many community organizations.
