Horicon Bank’s Fred F. Schwertfeger and Linda Schellpfeffer were honored by the Wisconsin Bankers Association as recipients of the organization’s Lifetime Service Award for 50 and 40 years of service to the banking industry.
Fred F. Schwertfeger says he always knew he wanted to be a banker in his hometown of Horicon, Wis. After graduating from UW-Madison and serving in the US Army, Schwertfeger joined First Wisconsin National Bank in London in 1971, until he later transferred to its Milwaukee headquarters in 1973. He and his father formed Sword Financial Corporation in 1977 to create a holding company for Horicon Bank – allowing it to remain an independent community bank. Schwertfeger joined the Horicon Bank team in 1982 and was later named President.
During his time at Horicon Bank, Schwertfeger fostered a culture of care and growth. While encouraging associates to care for their communities and each other, he actively grew the bank’s geographic presence. Since 1982, Horicon Bank has grown from one branch to twenty-five branches throughout eastern Wisconsin and reached nearly $1.5 billion in assets.
“For more than fifty years, my dad has shown us what it means to be a ‘caring’ banker,” said Fred C. Schwertfeger, Horicon Bank President. “His care for our communities and the relationships we have with our customers has led to tremendous success for Horicon Bank.”
Linda Schellpfeffer’s career in banking started at Commercial State Bank in Iron Ridge in 1984 as a teller and customer service representative. After Horicon Bank acquired the location in 1985, Schellpfeffer’s career led her to working as a Consumer Loan Processor, Collections Department Manager and eventually overseeing the Horicon Bank Gliding Free Club.
Schellpfeffer led the Gliding Free Club and customer outreach events for 15 years before retiring in February 2024.
“The care Linda shows for each and every customer exemplifies what it means to live out our vision – to do good for our customers and in our communities,” said Fred C. Schwertfeger. “Both Linda’s and my dad’s careers deserve to be celebrated for all they have done for Horicon Bank and the banking industry.”