Waukesha South Reveals Wall of Fame Inductees

Waukesha South High School will honor its 2013 Wall of Fame inductees in a special ceremony at the school at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13.

The inductees are:

• Charlie Betker; Class of 1963
• Rick Congdon; Class of 1967
• Leslie Vertz; Class of 1967 

Charles “Charlie” Betker, Class of 1963

During high school, Charlie lettered in football, wrestling, and track.  

Charlie has distinguished himself in local public service as the longest continuous-serving alderman in the history of the Waukesha Common Council since its founding in 1896.  He remained in public office for 38 continuous years, until retiring in 2008.  This unprecedented, long-term service to the Waukesha community includes 15 terms as city alderman, serving with six mayors, three police chiefs, five fire chiefs, and several city attorneys.

While in office, Charlie Betker has served with 17 commissions, standing committees and boards.  He has honorably served as Waukesha Common Council president for an unprecedented three terms.

During his tenure as an alderman, Charlie Betker took a lead role in advocating for improvements for the Waukesha South athletic field, resulting in the installation of the concession stand and public restrooms in the athletic complex.

Richard Congdon, Class of 1967

During high school, Richard was involved in Debate, Drama, Band, and National Honor Society. 

Richard’s completed his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Political Science in 1971.  He received his law degree from Marquette in 1974.

Richard is the former executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County. He has served as a Circuit Court Judge for two years.  Richard served as an attorney from 1974 to 2009 for various firms.

Richard’s volunteer leadership has been involved in the Waukesha Guitar Town Committee, Board of Director for the Waukesha County Museum, member of the City of Waukesha Board of Review, and was on a committee to investigate ethical complaints against local attorneys.  Richard was also awarded the “Key to the City” for his volunteer work by the mayor of Waukesha in 2012-13.

Leslie Vertz, Class of 1967

During high school, Leslie was involved in the AV Club and wrestling. 

Leslie’s post-secondary schooling consisted of Metals Engineering Institute of Ohio (Metals), WCTC (Fire Science), and Mt. Senario College (Criminal Justice Major).

Leslie was a Waukesha County Sheriff for 20 years and he retired as a patrol lieutenant.  He worked for the Wales Fire Department for 12 years as a firefighter, E.M.T., and a Rescue Captain.  Leslie also worked part time for the Dousman, Eagle, and Brookfield police departments. He was an instructor for WCTC in the area of CPR.

Leslie established the first D.A.R.E. program for the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.  He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Mended Hearts Association, and the Harley Owners Group.

Leslie is married to Kay and they have three children, Les, Jessi, and Amy.