A bond of trust — and friendship

According to John Gessert in UBT’s Personal Trust and Wealth Management department, one of the great privileges of being a trust officer at UBT is building a relationship with clients and their families. These folks leave an indelible impression on John — friendships and bonds are formed, lives intertwined. “We get to know our clients and their families so that we fully understand the dynamic and are ready to step in when they need us,” John says. “In the process, we make some great friends.”

Take Helen Witt, a long-time client and remarkable human who is still going strong at nearly 103. John considers Helen a dear friend, and we were excited to sit down with John, Helen, and Helen’s son, Monsignor Paul Witt, to learn more about Helen and how she continues to make the most of her vibrant life. The connection John shares with the Witts quickly became apparent during the conversation, as the three shared jokes and asked after each other’s families — Helen is especially fond of John’s wife Susie.

“Not all my clients are able to meet my family; it just doesn’t always work out that way,” John says. “But Susie happened to be home the day I was making a Christmas visit to Helen, and she came along. Of course, the two instantly hit it off! Susie still can’t believe Helen is over 100 years old. Nobody can!”

Looking forward to every day

That Helen is still so spry as she approaches her 103rd birthday is no small feat — and she attributes her longevity and good health to two main practices: “Prayer is the number one thing,” she says. “Exercise is probably number two. I’ve exercised all my life; I just enjoy it.”

John thinks her attitude is another major contributor, saying “I feel like you’re a person who wakes up every day with a positive outlook.” Helen agrees: “I don’t wake up upset ever. I still look forward to every day.”

Helen’s days are spent in contemplation and community. She starts each day with a short prayer, reads the paper, and enjoys her breakfast while watching the news. Then, it’s time for a little exercise — often joined by her son, Helen logs time on the treadmill or incline bike while watching game shows.

The afternoon might find the duo out and about, visiting friends (John says they are popular guests at his office), spending time at church, and hitting their favorite restaurants. Old friends pop in frequently, which she enjoys. The phone rings as we’re talking; it’s a long-distance friend calling to check in. Helen feels strongly about maintaining friendships and making new friends, too. “You have to continue to work at it,” she says. “You have to make friends, get to know new neighbors. I just made a new friend the other day.”

John chimes in, adding “I think one of your great skills is that you take genuine interest in people. I think you’re very good about asking people about themselves, and I really admire you for that.”

A fixture in the community — literally  

John shared that Helen has always had a head for business and a heart for the community, so we asked about Helen Witt Drive. Many years back, Helen gave her OK for a parcel of land she and her husband owned to be sold to the city and used for urban development housing, among other things. The endeavor resulted in a street being named in Helen’s honor. Helen is quick to minimize this tribute, crediting it instead to then-Mayor Mike Johanns’ kindness. “He was really just a lovely man, and a good mayor,” she says.

John adds, “I drive by Helen Witt Drive every single day, because it’s on my way home from the bank. I look at that sign, and I think of you every day.”

 “That’s so nice, John!” Helen says. “I never did tell my brother about it. He was driving, and he saw the sign and almost went off the road! That was so funny!”

Here for the long run

Talking with Helen is a treat, and working with her even more so. As we wrap up our interview, John says, “I’m just so lucky to have her as a client and friend. I’m not Helen’s first trust officer, but it feels like we’ve been together for a long, long time.”

Of course, Helen concurs. “Well, you’re my favorite!” she says. “And nobody gives me such beautiful Christmas gifts as you. Don’t you ever retire!”

We hope there are many more years left of this wonderful partnership.