The Story Behind the Scholarship

Richard and Karen have been married for 30 years and have resided in the Town of Ashippun in their “dream home” since 2000. Richard grew up in a farming community in Northeast Wisconsin near Green Bay. After serving in the Navy, he moved to the Oconomowoc area 57 years ago. He was hired by a family-owned construction company and spent nearly 40 years with them in numerous capacities.

Karen grew up in Milwaukee near the Mitchell Park Domes with one older brother and two sisters. She graduated a semester early from Pulaski High School while working a part-time job at the Wisconsin Telephone Co. as a long-distance operator.   

Knowing that college was not available, she moved into her own apartment and obtained a full-time job at the home office of Northwestern Mutual, from where she retired after 22 years. 

“We have been very well blessed with great life experiences, a wonderful family, and many dear friends. We always wanted to set an example for our children and grandchildren to be generous in giving their time, talents, and treasure, and they are doing just that,” said Richard.

Founding members of the Oconomowoc Area Foundation, the Bertrands have generously supported the Oconomowoc community in many ways over the past years.

“Dick and I are so very fortunate at this stage of our lives to be in a position to give these dedicated Oconomowoc students a helping hand in achieving their educational dreams of a college education in a field that will lead them to a future job that they will love. Receiving occasional notecards from the recipients of our scholarships is a delight and makes it all worthwhile” added Karen.