A lasting legacy: How one family's history lives on through Dupaco

When Kenneth Arthofer learned his grandmother helped shape Dupaco's early history, he discovered his family's connection to the credit union ran deeper than he ever imagined.

DUBUQUE, Iowa—When Kenneth Arthofer visited Dupaco Credit Union's Sycamore Street branch in Dubuque, he noticed a familiar name displayed among the financial cooperative's past leaders. 

It was his grandmother, Gladys Arthofer. 

Kenneth knew Gladys had worked at the Dubuque Packing Company, just like his father. But seeing her name on the wall at Dupaco—and learning she had served on the Dupaco board of directors—gave him a newfound appreciation for her legacy.

"I had her photo but didn't fully understand her impact until I saw her name there," he said.

A surprising discovery at Dupaco

What began as a routine visit became a meaningful connection to Kenneth's family history.

Standing in the branch, he realized his grandmother's contributions extended beyond her work at the Dubuque Packing Company. She had also played a role in helping guide Dupaco during its early years.

That discovery helped Kenneth better understand how deeply his family's story was connected to the credit union's history.

A pioneer in Dupaco's early years

Gladys' story is rooted in the early days of Dupaco, which was founded to serve Dubuque Packing Company employees and their families.

At a time when leadership roles for women were limited, Gladys stepped into a role that helped shape the financial cooperative's future. 

"It was a tough environment for women in business in the 1940s,” Kenneth said. “What she accomplished is truly incredible.” 

Continuing a family tradition

Years later, when Kenneth moved back to Dubuque, joining Dupaco felt like a natural step.

“It was part of my family tradition,” he said. “Even though the Packing Company, and my grandmother, are gone, they live on through Dupaco.” 

As a Dupaco member, Kenneth opened checking and savings accounts and later turned to the credit union for a VA home loan.

When it came time to buy a home, Kenneth found that Dupaco's digital banking tools made the process simple and flexible—especially important because he travels frequently.

“It was easier than buying a car,” he said. “Dupaco was great to work with every step of the way.”

Today, Kenneth keeps a photo of his grandmother in his home office—a reminder that his financial journey is part of something bigger: A family legacy that continues to grow with Dupaco.