Get to Know the Attorneys at Plan Wise Legal | Estate Planning Wills & Trusts | Business Planning

At Plan Wise Legal, we believe estate planning and business planning are deeply personal. Planning is about more than documents, it is about people, families, and their important belongings and property. That’s why we want you to know the people behind the work. Each of us brings not only legal skill, but also unique life experiences, values, and passions that shape how we practice law.

Our team from left to right: Tye Wangberg, Ryan Fargen, Kate Bartell Nowak

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Ryan Fargen

Estate Planning • Trust Law •Probate • Elder Law • Business Planning • Intellectual Property Consulting

Originally from Brookings, South Dakota, Ryan grew up with a curiosity for problem solving and learning how things work.  He has always had a variety of interests, and a desire for collaboration, he believes that curiosity and frank discussion can help connect people and ideas. 

His undergraduate studies took him to Iowa State University for a degree in Industrial Engineering, which he used for 6 years while living in Des Moines, Iowa. He worked as a quality control and process improvement engineer for a manufacturing company focusing on agricultural equipment who was a supplier to one of the world leaders in that industry.  Ryan enjoyed this challenging field but had a desire to find a more personal outlet for his technical skills.  He then attended the University of Kansas for law school, where he studied intellectual property law in addition to his core curriculum.  Upon graduation from law school, Ryan moved back to South Dakota to study and pass the Patent Bar exam with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Ryan’s engineering background taught him problem-solving, risk assessment, how to understand complex ideas, and how to break down large goals into actionable items—all of which he now applies to estate planning. He helps clients create wills, trusts, and asset protection plans that are practical, thorough, and tailored to their needs. Clients appreciate his ability to translate complex issues into clear, straightforward options that make decision-making easier.

Outside the office, Ryan enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Jenny, socializing with friends and family, reading, and playing less golf than he would like.  He follows college sports more than professional sports, and tends to focus on supporting the Iowa State Cyclones, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Kansas Jayhawks, and as a Brookings native grew up cheering for the SDSU Jackrabbits, but has too many USD Coyotes in his life to have favorites.

Ryan’s combination of engineering precision and approachable communication makes him a steady and reliable guide for families navigating important planning decisions.

Why clients value Ryan: He listens carefully, explains things in plain language, and is committed to being a trusted resource long after the ink is dry on the documents.

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Tye Wangberg

Business Planning • High Net Wealth Planning • Estate Planning • Trust Law

Tye grew up in Colman, South Dakota, and went on to earn his undergraduate, Masters in Public Accountancy and law degree at the University of South Dakota. He then completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation at Villanova University, an advanced degree that allows him to dive deep into tax strategy, business planning, and high-net-wealth estate planning.

Tye focuses his practice on business owners, professionals, and families who need thoughtful, tax-smart strategies. He regularly advises on business formation, succession planning, and wealth preservation, making sure clients’ financial legacies are protected for generations. Clients value his ability to simplify complicated tax and business structures while tailoring solutions to fit their unique goals.

Personally, Tye is grounded and community-focused. He enjoys golfing, spending time with his family, including his dog Hank, and volunteering as a firefighter in his hometown. He’s also an active member at his church, where he enjoys teaching and connecting with others. A favorite memory of his is teaching his little brother’s and little sister’s Sunday school classes at church.

Tye’s South Dakota upbringing and advanced tax training make him both approachable and highly skilled. He understands the practical realities his clients face, while offering strategies that are forward-thinking and effective.

What sets Tye apart: He pairs advanced tax and business knowledge with a grounded, approachable style, giving clients both confidence and clarity in their planning.

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Kate Bartell Nowak

Estate Planning Wills and Trusts • Trust Law • Probate • Elder Law • Special Needs Planning

With over a decade of legal experience and a background in public administration, Kate Bartell Nowak provides holistic, thoughtful guidance in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, and probates. She approaches each matter with both precision and empathy, helping clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence.  Clients often describe Kate as approachable and compassionate. She understands that legal planning can feel overwhelming, so she breaks down complicated topics into clear, manageable steps, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Originally from Fort Morgan, Colorado, Kate earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her law degree from the University of Denver, along with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. She has lived in Colorado, Nebraska, Maryland, and now South Dakota. 

Outside the office, Kate is a wife, mom of two, and dog-mom to Ruby and Gemma. She’s a lifelong reader (fiction is her favorite escape), a hobby watercolor painter, and she enjoys walking and talking with friends.   However, most of her free time is happily spent at her children’s activities.

Kate grew up doing an annual summer road trip with her family, often exploring National Parks.  This instilled a love for travel, the outdoors, and exploring new places.  One of her favorite memories is traveling to Rome with her husband, exploring museums, and enjoying gelato, when they were first married. 

Kate’s difference: She blends warmth with precision, crafting estate plans, including wills and trusts, that not only protect assets estate planning wills and trusts but also reflect each client’s values, relationships, and long-term goals, providing peace of mind in life’s busy, messy, and unpredictable seasons.

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A Team That Works Together

One of the things that makes Plan Wise Legal unique is how we collaborate. While each of us has different areas of focus, we regularly share ideas and consult with one another. That means when you work with one attorney, you also benefit from the collective knowledge and perspectives of our entire team.

We believe that legal planning isn’t a one-time event, it is a lifelong process. As your family grows, your business evolves, or your circumstances change, we will be here to adjust your plan so it continues to serve you well.

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Let’s Connect

Choosing an attorney is about trust, understanding, and finding someone who will put your best interests first. We invite you to get to know us, whether through a meeting in our Sioux Falls office or a virtual consultation from the comfort of your home. We look forward to learning your story and helping you plan wisely for what matters most.