Sad news from the Washington County Insider:
Hoogester graduated Germantown High School in 1973. He started with the West Bend Police Department in the early 1980s and retired after 34 years from the WBPD as a Lieutenant.
He was first elected to the Common Council in April 2013 replacing Mike Schlotfeldt.
With the City of West Bend, Hoogester was part of the Deer Management Committee and Finance Committee.
“It is devistating news,” said Dist. 5 alderman Jed Dolnick. “I knew Steve when we first started in law enforcement; I knew Steve through our work at the sheriff’s department and police department. He was a good friend and this is unbelieveable.”
Former Dist. 7 alderman Adam Williquette worked with Hoogester on the common council for several terms. “I sat next to Steve on council for five years and got to know him well during our tenure. He put a lot of time in for the betterment of our community and will be truly missed,” said Williquette.
Former Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said, “Simply put, Steve was a good man. He was a good father and husband and he was proud of his City. Steve did not run for office to be a politician. He decided to be an alderman for the same reason he chose law enforcement for his career, to help people.”
Shocking. Just saw him at Plan Commission meeting where he approved the DQ Concept Plan.
He certainly lived his life in service to the community. He was an example, on many levels, to strive for.