Lawsuit against Resch set for trial

GREEN BAY - You can not go far in Green Bay without seeing the name Resch. Dick Resch has donated millions of dollars to numerous projects, including the area's largest arena which bears his name, the Resch Center.

But for the next few months at least, his name will continue to come up in Brown County Court. Resch and the furniture company he operates, Krueger International (KI) are being sued by Resch's former employee Roderick Ganiard.

Ganiard alleges Resch improperly fired him last year from the position of President at KI. Ganiard claims his working relationship with Resch deteriorated over time because Ganiard brought attention to Resch's alleged extramarital affairs with a coworker and an exotic dancer. Ganiard's suit claims Resch openly favored at least one of the women, even buying her a home and unnecessarily taking her on business trips. It also claims Resch tried to punish other coworkers who came between the pair.

"Neither have filed anything with this court that denies this relationship, this long term relationship, and the effect it had on the business," said Ganiard’s attorney Robert Elliott about Resch and the female coworker.

Ganiard says after bringing it up to Resch, he was fired after two years at the company, even though he expected succeed Resch.

"Certainly, there's no promise that Mr. Ganiard relates about succession that he was that appropriate person," said Resch's attorney George Burnett:

Ganiard's attorney has told FOX 11 in the past that his client is seeking at least $750,000. A week long trial has been set for November.

While the case is scheduled to go to trial, the judge is yet to rule on a motion filed by Resch's attorney to dismiss the lawsuit. The motion says any claims of discrimination in the workplace belongs to the Department of Workforce Development and not the court. The judge is scheduled to rule on that motion next month.