Antigo / Wisconsin / United States
Gowey Abstract & Title was started in 1931 by Glen A. Gowey, who was the Taylor County Register of Deeds at the time. After serving his country in World War II, Glens son, Harold R. Gowey took over the business in 1954. Harold followed in his fathers footsteps and served as Taylor Countys Register of Deeds while running the abstract business. During Glen and Harolds tenure, the Company was housed in the Taylor County Register of Deeds Office, and did not relocate until Harold decided to retire as Register of Deeds, in 1984. The business then moved to the lower level of the old phone company building in the City of Medford, where it was housed until 1995. Harold continued as owner of Gowey Abstract & Title until he sold the business to his long-time employee, Shirley Pleus, in 1986. Harold continued working for the Company as an Abstracter until he retired in 2005 at the age of 86. Shirley Pleus was hired by Harold right out of High School in 1961 and continued Harolds unwavering commitment to excellent service and unmatched accuracy in the title services Gowey Abstract & Title provided. Under Shirleys leadership, Gowey Abstract & Title expanded the services it offered by actively writing title insurance. Until Shirley took over, Gowey Abstract & Title primarily only provided Abstracts of Title. In 1995, Shirley hired and trained Michael Brandner, who subsequently bought the business in 1998. Shirley continued to work for the Company and provided stability and unmatched accuracy in the title work provided, while Mike focused on growing the company. During her final years with the Company, Shirley trained the current staff and instilled in them the importance of being extremely accurate in every title order delivered. It is because of her commitment to excellence that Gowey Abstract & Title has incurred fewer claims than virtually every other title company in the industry. Shirley retired in 2004 after 43 years of dedication to Gowey Abstract & Title. Wit
