Hans Weissgerber Sr., his wife Maria and Hans Weissgerber Jr., opened The Golden Mast Inn on June 15, 1967 after five years of hands-on construction, converting the property from what was the Surf Resort, originally Lacy’s Resort and Dance Hall, into a small restaurant and five room motel.

Hans Sr & Maria immigrated from Germany in 1955, after being separated during WWII.  Maria and her two sons, Jack & Hans Jr., were driven from their home in 1944 by communist revolutionaries and settled in the Black Forest area of Germany in 1946. Hans, who was missing in the war, was finally able to rejoin his family in 1948.

Once in the United States, Hans Sr. & Maria, along with Jack (age 18) and Hans Jr. (age 13) lived in South Bend Indiana for a short time, then moved to Milwaukee.  Han’s Sr. worked at Uncle August Sausage Company and built his family a home near Fond du Lac Avenue & Hampton Avenue.

On weekends, Hans Sr. had a part-time job roasting Spahnferkel (small pigs on a spit)

for customers of Rupena’s Market, at various lake country picnic resorts.  Always restless and in search of a better future for his family, Hans decided that he wanted to own a lakeside resort of his own.  After looking at three different lake properties, he settled here in Okauchee, moving his family into the basement, behind the bar of the Surf Resort, as construction ensued.

Hans & Maria opened their restaurant in 1967 with little experience, but a lot of heart.  Both enjoyed cooking and with family recipe’s, perseverance and the support of committed and creative chefs, good food and caring service, brought people back again and again. They greeted and welcomed generations of customers to dine and enjoy the hospitality of their inn.  Many times Maria would delight her customers by serenading them with her lovely voice.

Hans Jr. joined his parents in running the Golden Mast after college, in 1969.  Jack and his wife Linda joined the family business in 1979 and with the support of Hans Jr., purchased and redeveloped the Seven Seas Restaurant on Nagawicka Lake.  The

family then built the Gasthaus in Waukesha in 1983.  In 1986 Hans Jr. and Jack, ventured into Milwaukee where they developed the very popular Third Street Pier restaurant, and brought the Edelweiss Cruise dining boats to the Milwaukee River and Harbor.

Under the ownership of Hans Jr., renovations and additions have evolved the Golden Mast from humble beginnings to gracious maturity.  A major renovation that began in 1999 included the European style courtyard, front entrance, lobby and beautiful bathrooms. The unique architecture of the building includes many recycled elements from old buildings including the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the Parker Mansion on Oconomowoc Lake, the Redemptorist Seminary on Lac Labelle, and the old Avalon Hotel in Waukesha.

Hans Sr & Maria lived through a lifetime of hard work and commitment to business and family. While he eventually left his position as chef in the kitchen of the Golden Mast, retirement was never an option.  Spending winters in Florida and

returning in the spring, he was always there to give direction and support to his family and employees and maintain the physical appearance of the property. This lifelong commitment inspired the many members of our great team, who have worked together and contributed to over 50 years in business at the Golden Mast.

Maria Weissgerber passed away on December 30, 2007 at 88 years old.  Hans Sr. turned 100 years old on July 8, 2017, celebrating the momentous occasion with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a multitude of friends and customers.  He passed away peacefully later that year.

The Golden Mast continues to operate under the direction of Hans Weissgerber Jr., his daughter Lisa Marks, together with an amazing staff, committed to continue the long tradition of hard work, exquisite cuisine and superior service to our many loyal customers.  We look forward to welcoming them back, from one generation to the next.