Bill Barth & Stephanie Klett
Bill Barth, former editor of the Beloit Daily News and a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame (still a regular contributor to various publications, while managing business affairs for the family farm); Stephanie Klett, president and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva (previously, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, longtime Emmy-winning host of Discover Wisconsin Television & Radio and a former Miss Wisconsin)
Home base: We split our time between Beloit and Lake Geneva.
How did your love story begin? We met in Beloit a little over 25 years ago at what was, separately for both of us, a favorite Wisconsin pub/restaurant, the 615 Supper Club. And it’s still a favorite. A long, pleasant conversation led to a first date. The rest, as it’s said, is history.
Favorite thing about one another: Stephanie: There are hundreds of things I love about Bill, so asking about just one favorite thing must be a trick question. But I’ll give it a try. In a nutshell, Bill has depth. He always digs deep past the surface to the place where things matter. This depth makes him intentional and deliberate and nuanced. I could go on and on, but there’s a word limit.
Bill: Easy to answer. It’s Stephanie joy for life, which shows itself in everything she does. Steph is the Energizer Bunny, absolutely adores all people and sets out every day to create a better experience for everyone she encounters. Meanwhile, she always makes time for her big family – all nine brothers – and for our extended family, especially her grandkids. She’s always a bright light in our lives.
Favorite date night: Sounds corny, but we love those occasions when we can be home together with a fine wine for Stephanie, a cold brew for Bill, a nice home-cooked meal (usually Bill) and snuggled in for a great movie. We love exceptional dining out, beautiful places and the music of life, too, but home is where the heart is, more often than not.
Favorite tradition you have as a couple: There are several. Long walks on the fabulous lakefront trail. Exchanging Christmas experiences, instead of store-bought gifts. Hosting holidays at our Lake Geneva home, and looking forward to creating new traditions with family around our pool. And a new but special tradition, taking our little grandson Jackson to indulge his obsession with French toast and sausage.
What does your happily-ever-after look like: First, of course, good health and lots of years. We want to keep traveling, with bucket list destinations like Paris, Rome and the pyramids of Egypt. And just peacefully growing older together, surrounded by the friends and family we love.