The Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund has established a scholarship fund in memory of Allen B. Chesser Jr. He was president and CEO of First National Bank of Monterey, but away from the bank, he chaired the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Association. The Association helps manage and maintain the needed filter strips and wetlands to make Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver one of the cleanest fresh-water lakes in the state. Chesser would personally spray invasive weeds, clear beaver dams and conduct tours.

The Allen B. Chesser Summer Intern Endowment Fund will support an intern who is pursuing or recently completed post-secondary study in a discipline that contributes to advancing the Fund’s mission, including (but not limited to) environmental science, sustainability, agriculture, communications and teacher education.

“Allen’s passion for supporting our local communities was legendary and none more than his work supporting the health of Lake Maxinkuckee and promoting youth,” said Debbie Palmer with the Fund. “Endowing a summer internship is a fitting tribute to honor Allen’s commitment to the lake and local youth.”

Chesser passed away Dec. 28, 2022. He was also a member of the Woodlawn Hospital Board, the Aubbeenaubbee Improvement Association and the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and was an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund in his memory may do so at LakeMax.org. Click on the Donate button, then select Chesser Fund. If you have questions about the scholarship or know someone who would like to apply, email LMEC@LakeMax.org.