WPS Insurance exec Bathke dies at 63 [The Wisconsin State Journal]

June 30--WPS Insurance Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Bathke died unexpectedly Friday at age 63.

A Monona resident for the past 15 years, Bathke had worked at WPS Insurance in Madison for about 27 years. He was born in Green Bay, served in the U.S. Navy and attended Lakeland College.

"I hope people remember him for what a kind, loving, giving human being he was," Bathke's wife of 44 years, Marsha, said Wednesday. "He was very involved in everything, and he gave and gave and gave until there was nothing left. He gave to his family and the community and everyone, except himself."

She declined to say what Bathke's cause of death was.

City administrators in Monona on Wednesday released a statement noting Bathke's extensive community involvement. He had served on the city's Police and Fire Commission since 1996, and as its president since 2005. He also was active in the Monona Chamber of Commerce and served as chamber president in 2007.

Bathke was honored in 2006 with the city's distinguished service award by the mayor and City Council for his committee service and his participation in various fundraisers. He also recently earned a spot in the Executive Hall of Fame compiled by Madison In Business.

"He probably had an impact on just about every police officer's career since 1996," Monona Police Chief Walter Ostrenga said Wednesday. "He was involved in all the hiring and any promotions."

Based in Madison, WPS Insurance is Wisconsin's only not-for-profit insurer offering health plans statewide to the public and private sectors. It employs more than 4,000 people, including about 3,700 in Dane County.

In addition to the corporate headquarters in Madison, the company has branches in Wausau, Milwaukee, Appleton, Eau Claire and Green Bay.

In addition to his wife, Bathke is survived by family members including two daughters, one son and 11 grandchildren. A private family service was held.

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