30 years in, Ingelse grateful for what cancer gave her
When we last checked in with Information Systems project manager Pat Ingelse, she was 15 months out from a cancer diagnosis. An irrepressible optimist, she joked with her doctors and viewed what many people would consider a tragedy as an opportunity for growth. Among other things, she was inspired by her own treatments to take up reiki, the Japanese art of energy healing. After becoming certified as a reiki master, she starting volunteering as a practitioner and opened her own practice.
For her 30th anniversary with North Shore Bank, Pat talked to Shorelines about how things are going now. See what she had to say.
Donna Brietchaft retiring after 30+ years
Donna Brietchaft retires next week.
Checking service representative Donna Brietchaft retires next week, after more than 30 years at North Shore Bank. “I’m happy to be moving on to the next chapter of my life,” she says. “This was a great place to work.”
“Donna has been a beacon of dedication for the time she has spent in Checking Services, constantly learning,” says her boss, Erica Johnson. “We wish all the best on her new journey — all green thumbs!”
Donna and husband John are looking forward to visiting their son in Arizona and spending more time with their grandchildren and other family. “We will be doing more projects around the house, and I will be spending more time in my flower gardens,” she says. “There will be more time to do things in the winter, and I have not thought that far ahead.” •••
There’s still time! Help #MaskUpMKE through June 30
Customer Connie returns her box of made masks to the Muskego branch. “She thinks it’s awesome that North Shore is participating in this and that it is for a great cause,” branch manager Stephanie Bluemel says. “She was happy to help.”
There are still a few days left to help the #MaskUpMKE effort. As we mentioned last week, the initiative will wrap up this Tuesday, June 30.
In the meantime, if you and your family and friends want to help make no-sew masks to help reduce COVID-19 in the greater Milwaukee area, you can pick up a kit at any of our southeast Wisconsin locations. The only requirements are that no one in your household can be showing symptoms of COVID-19 and that you’ll need at least one stapler. It takes about 15 person-hours to finish a box of 700 masks.
More information from Just One More Ministries is here. If you have time to help, pitch in! (And if you do, be sure to take some photos for Shorelines.) •••
Muskego chamber spotlights NSB in email newsletter
The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce featured the bank in the “Sponsor Spotlight” section of its email newsletter last week. Here’s what the chamber had to say about us and Muskego branch manager Stephanie Bluemel’s team:
North Shore Bank is the Bank of You and they pride themselves for being advocates for their customers. Here in Muskego, Stephanie and her team are thrilled to support local businesses, organizations, and citizens.
During the pandemic, North Shore Bank donated $7,500 to food pantries across our state. They also worked closely with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago to offer a COVID-19 grant funding program. Locally, the branch has participated in our Ambassador Team and been a top sponsor of Jammin’ on Janesville for many years, allowing the Chamber to use their lot as a vendor area. We appreciate them and thank them for being a 2020 Partner Sponsor.
Many thanks to the Muskego branch and all the rest of you for all the work you do building relationships and helping our partners. •••
Milwaukee County Zoo visitors — info before you go
We noted last week that the Milwaukee County Zoo has partially reopened. Here’s a little more information for any bank employees or customers who are visiting:
If you’re using the paper tickets that North Shore Bank hands out, we have been told that you do not need to reserve an entry spot earlier online. You will need to pay for parking with a credit card if you do not have parking vouchers. North Shore Bank ticket holders should call the zoo directly with questions at 414-771-3040. •••
New Hires for June 25
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.
Direct leasing sales manager Tim Feldt is from Markesan but has lived in Sun Prairie for 25 years. He previously worked as a senior performance manager at Cox Automotive. “I enjoy spending time at my cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin,” he says. “I’m an avid snowmobiler and golfer, and also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.”
Customer assistance representative Elise Lueneburg is from Brookfield and lived in New York City and Minnesota before returning to Milwaukee. She previously worked at Skylight Music Theatre. “I actually have BFA in musical theater — not much help now during the pandemic! But I’m so excited to use everything I’ve learned throughout my musical theater career to help people here at North Shore Bank,” she says.
MLK Drive teller supervisor Alma Marrero was born and raised in New York. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and worked for North Shore Bank 20 years ago as a teller and personal banker. Before this, she worked for Johnson Controls as a biller and then an ops specialist. “I love to sing in my car very loudly,” Alma says. “I also love to read true crime.”
Franklin teller supervisor Janet Rebholz lives in Milwaukee and previously worked for Apple Leisure Group, helping travel agents and their customers make dream vacations a reality. She has been married to her husband for 40 years and has actually married him four times. (“Like once wasn’t enough, LOL,” she writes.) “We renewed our vows over in England for our 25th wedding anniversary with some dear friends of ours, and also had a big party and renewed our vows over here with all of our family and friends here in the States,” Janet says. “We’ve been to England and France numerous times, and we’ve also been to Italy two times so far and can’t wait until we are able to travel again! More places to go and explore — we really want to go to Ireland and Australia.” •••
Hallgren welcomes new son
Stephanie with son Walter and new baby Levi.
BSA/AML lead Stephanie Hallgren welcomed new son Levi last week. He came in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and just over 21 inches long. “The family is doing well and big brother Walter enjoys snuggling with his new brother,” VP compliance Kristen Gagliano reports. •••