For the City Times

After 60 years of service to the community, KeySavings Bank associate Earl Staege has been honored.

Staege began his banking career in January 1948 when he was hired as a teller at Nekoosa State Bank. The bank changed its name to Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank and opened a branch in Port Edwards. He was the first employee at the new branch.

Earl Staege. (Contributed Photo)

In September 1950 Staege enlisted in the Navy. Once he completed his military duties, he attended college in Stevens Point and Madison. He started employment at Wisconsin Rapids Building and Loan (now KeySavings Bank) in May 1956.

During his career, he has held almost every banking position. He began as a bookkeeper and then moved up to a bank officer position when he became assistant secretary/treasurer. He was promoted to secretary/treasurer, then to vice president, and finally president and chief executive officer in December 1987.

He held that position until his retirement from daily duties in December 1994. Staege was elected to the bank Board of Directors in January 1975 and served as Chairman from 1999 to 2010. He continues to be an active member of the board.

Staege was honored at the Association Bank Executives Conference in Milwaukee last month.