August 20, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – It was a big evening for the United Way of Washington County as it presented its annual volunteer awards during a ceremony at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, WI.
At this year’s event, Ralph Kuepper of Hartford was honored with the Clifford A. & Elizabeth M. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award.
Kuepper has contributed and volunteered for numerous local nonprofits. Tim Purman received award in 2022 and nominated Kuepper.
“Ralph has been a consistent and long-term supporter and leader in helping improve the quality of life for both individuals and our community as a whole,” said Purman.
“His volunteerism extends in helping others with immediate health and housing needs, lifelong employment skills, and fostering growth within his community. His actions are very much in concert with the meaning and focus of the Clifford & Betty Nelson Volunteer Leadership award. It’s my honor to nominate Ralph for this prestigious award and have him selected as its recipient in 2025.”
United Way’s Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award was created to recognize an individual in Washington County who has demonstrated community leadership and a long-term commitment to volunteering.
The award is named in honor of the late Cliff and Betty Nelson, who are known for their outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of human service, civic, and arts organizations. Each year, past Nelson Award winners nominate and select a new recipient.
For decades, Ralph Kuepper has been involved in the Hartford/Slinger community and has made a lasting impact with his leadership and involvement. Key highlights of Ralph’s service include:
• Longtime and active member of Hartford Lions Club
a. Chair of the annual calendar fundraiser for 33 years
b. Co-chair of the vision screen aid program
• Volunteer to both Habitat for Humanity and The Hartford Rotary Vision Home Project
a. Ralph has provided professional plumbing services on a volunteer basis for several homes
b. Ralph also has procured plumbing supplies and fixtures from manufacturers at either no cost or reduced costs on these projects
• Volunteer for the Jack Russell Memorial Library Fund Drive
a. Ralph and his wife Carol chaired the major gift division of the $2.2 million capital campaign
• Volunteer for the Hartford Christmas Committee
• Active member of St. Kilian’s Congregation
• Former owner and operator of Horsch and Miller Plumbing in Slinger which contributed in-kind and monetary support to various organizations each year
“Each year, it is an honor to recognize the best of our community,” said Kristin Brandner, CEO of United Way of Washington County. “Ralph has invested his time and support over decades throughout Washington County. We recognize him for his lifetime of service and the legacy he has created to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
The Kevin Steiner Emerging Leader Award was presented to Dominic Ladd of West Bend.
Ladd was honored with this award and is the second recipient. He is one of the founding members of the Emerging Leaders program.
“Dom exemplifies what it means to be an Emerging Leader — leadership, integrity, and the ability to inspire others,” said. Sandie Giernoth, 2024 Steiner award recipient.
“He was instrumental in forming Emerging Leaders and co-chaired a United Way Campaign that raised $1.9 million for nonprofit organizations. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his positive impact on our community.”
According to Brandner, Dominic is a strong leader because he walks the talk. “Dominic has invested countless hours to United Way and Emerging Leaders and is always present and willing to take on more. He has been such a positive force who leads by example.”
The award was created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated leadership and made a profound impact on growing the Emerging Leaders program. The award is named in honor of Kevin Steiner, the founder of the Emerging Leaders group which started in 2017 when he served his first term as United Way campaign chair and saw a need to grow the next generation of leaders in our community.
United Way’s Emerging Leaders is a team of professionals who actively invest their time, talent and resources to improve our community. Their mission is to ignite and inspire one another by providing opportunities to lead, serve and grow.
United Way’s Leadership event is the first of the 2025 campaign season which officially kicks off next month. United Way recognizes how our community’s greatest challenges are connected and brings people and resources together to address them. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, United Way is mobilizing communities to action so all can thrive.
For more information about United Way of Washington County, awards and its initiatives, visit unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.
