Pat Ingelse retires next Wednesday.

“This was definitely not an easy decision to make!” says Pat Ingelse of her plans to retire next week. But after over 30 years at North Shore Bank, during which she worked in multiple departments and successfully battled cancer, the project manager and assistant vice president knew it was the right time.

“These last couple years have shown us that we should not take anything for granted, and should appreciate each day to its fullest,” she says. “My family is needing more help, and now I will be able to step in more easily.” A regular Shorelines contributor who started the bank’s popular Zen Minute daily mindfulness email, Pat notes that her Cedarburg energy-healing and meditation practice, Inner Ki, has also been growing. “So if not now, when, right?”

“Pat has willingly done whatever it takes during her many decades with North Shore,” says chief information officer Dean Trout, her boss for the past 20-plus years. “I’ve had her fill in wherever we felt there was something that could be done better, and she has always given her best. Moreover, she has done it with a great attitude and willingness to build something better. I will miss her wonderful wit and high character. She has developed many lifelong relationships here, and leaves a legacy of triumph and stick-to-itiveness.”

“Pat has been part of many successful project launches for the bank, even before she stepped into the role of project manager,” her former boss VP customer support Jude Lengell says. “She never met a project too big, and brought her wit and passion to her role every day. Her dedication and optimistic outlook will be missed.”

Pat spoke to Shorelines about her career and what comes next.

How did you end up working for North Shore Bank? And at the time, did you have any idea you’d stick around so long?
I moved back to Wisconsin after five years in Alaska and needed to get back to work. As the saying goes, go with what you know! I responded to an employment ad in the Milwaukee Journal for a teller supervisor position at the Bayshore office. Darrel Eisenhardt and I met at the branch for the second interview for probably two hours — the interview was 20 minutes, and the rest was talking about family and places we both frequented in the Sheboygan area! Needless to say, I had a good feeling about getting the job.

What motivated you to take on so many different positions during your time here?
I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself to try something new. North Shore is the perfect-size organization to try a new career direction and not get lost in the mix — tackling a new skill or position is easier with the personal support provided by managers and co-workers. 1990 Pat would definitely be surprised to know she ended up in IT — as is 2022 Pat! But talk about a wonderful chance to learn new things. I’m glad I’m part of that hard-working, fun-loving group!

What would 2022 Pat tell 1990 Pat if you could get a message to her?
Embrace the changes and challenges that you encounter every day, whether at your job or in your personal life. Those are the very events that build your character and give you the confidence to take the next big step.

What will you miss about working here?
Without question, I will miss the people — the friendships, laughs, and support are the best part of the day! A great team of co-workers is what makes North Shore Bank the great company it is. I’ve been fortunate to have made many cherished friendships over the years. Colleagues are the family we choose, and they are what has made this time fly by so quickly.

What won’t you miss?
Driving into the office in winter. Without question. Not a fan of winter. At all.

Besides helping your family, what are your retirement plans?
I don’t have any set plans at this point. It will definitely take some getting used to this change, but I have a feeling I can handle it. I will still be around on a part-time basis to finish up the Recovery Planner RPX upgrade (which is actually rather fun!). And I have a couple Inner Ki classes needing some final touches before I offer them, so that will be a focus early on.

And last of all, there are a lot of people here who love the Zen Minute. What’s to become of it when you’re gone?
I have been so excited about creating and sharing the Zen Minutes! Thank you to everyone who has shared their appreciation — it’s such a good feeling to know some of them are capturing your attention and hopefully making a bit of a difference. We all need to slow down sometimes and truly appreciate a moment for what it is. I’m glad to say we will be continuing to send them out going forward! Creating them is definitely a very fun retirement priority.