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Our banking professionals are the best at what they do, giving you the expertise you depend on and the personal care you need.

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Executive Team

 
Bruce Pogatchnik
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Brandon Fink
President
 
507-823-4391
Russell
 
Amberlee Thooft
Chief Operating Officer / Cashier
 
507-823-4391
Russell
 
Stanley Holmberg
Senior Vice President / Chief Credit Officer
 
507-337-4030
Marshall

Staff

 
Amy Korman
Personal Banker / Market Manager
507-247-5531
 
Tyler
 
Andrea Babcock
Operations Specialist
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Andrea Lacek
Customer Service Representative
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Angela Plaetz
Personal Banker
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
Angela Sippel
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Ashley Bloom
Teller Supervisor
507-658-3311
 
Ruthton
 
Audie Sanderson
Senior Vice President / Chief Compliance Officer
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Barbara Paradis
Customer Service Representative
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Bobbi Jo Simonsen
Customer Service Representative
507-658-3311
 
Ruthton
 
Bradley Salfer
Senior Vice President / Business Banker / Market Manager
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
Brenda Lynner
Internal Auditor
507-423-6285
 
Cottonwood
 
Brendan Lougee
IT Technician
507-423-6285
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Cottonwood
 
Brenna Alexander
Customer Service Representative
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Brittney Lux
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Cal Teske
Vice President / Market Manager
507-423-6285
 
Cottonwood
 
Carmen Rosen
Customer Service Representative
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Carol Wixon
Vice President / Senior Mortgage Lender
507-337-4031
 
Marshall
 
Cecelia Dagan
Customer Service Representative
507-762-3111
 
Vesta
 
Cheryl Bouman
Customer Service Representative / Loan Technician
507-658-3311
 
Ruthton
 
Cheryl Vos
Customer Service Representative
507-247-5531
 
Tyler
 
Christine Thatcher
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Vesta
 
Colleen Donner
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Connie House
Vice President/ Market Manager/ Personal Banker
507-485-3111
 
Wood Lake
 
Darlene Neyens
Credit Analyst
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Debra Zimmer
Assistant Cashier / Senior Customer Service Representative
507-423-6285
 
Cottonwood
 
Desirae Gonzalez
Customer Service Representative
507-768-3437
 
Hanley Falls
 
Dianna Ellingson
Customer Service Representative
507-485-3111
 
Wood Lake
 
Dorothy Marquardt
Customer Service Representative
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
DuAnn Bertsch
Mortgage Loan Technician
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Elizabeth Vahlsing
Customer Service Representative
507-247-5531
 
Tyler
 
Emily Illies
Customer Service Representative
507-658-3311
 
Wood Lake
 
Gary Kellen
Senior Vice President
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Gregory Golberg
Vice President / Information Security
507-423-6285
 
Cottonwood
 
Heather Murphy
Vice President / Operations Manager / Board Secretary
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Hilary Buchert
Operations Specialist
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Holly Stelter
Loan Technician
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Jamie Antony
Customer Service Representative
507-423-6285
 
Marshall
 
Jasmine J Fonseca
Customer Service Representative
507-247-5531
 
Tyler
 
Jennifer Onken
Personal Banker
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Jessica Carlson
Operations Specialist
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Jessica Homan
Customer Service Representative
320-265-6122
 
Beardsley
 
Jessie VanDeWiele
Assistant Cashier / Senior Customer Service Representative
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
Joanne Krause
Customer Service Representative
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
Julie Engel
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Justin Hoepner
Vice President / Business Banker
507-762-3111
 
Vesta
 
Justin Stuefen
Senior Vice President / Business Banker
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Katie Fry
Loan Technician / Customer Service Representative
507-485-3111
 
Wood Lake
 
Kelly Garrels
Senior Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Kia VanKeulen
Credit Analyst/Lending Assistant
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Kyle Homan
Senior Vice President / Business Banker / Market Manager
320-265-6122
 
Beardsley
 
Leah Meyer
Customer Service Representative
320-265-6122
 
Beardsley
 
Leslie Dahlgren
Customer Service Representative
507-247-5531
 
Tyler
 
Lynn Foster
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Makenzie Jasper
Customer Service Representative
507-658-3311
 
Ruthton
 
Mary Folk
Customer Service Representative / Loan Technician
320-265-6122
 
Beardsley
 
Mary Petersen
Vice President / Human Resources
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Matt Ust
Senior Vice President/Business Banker
507-337-4028
 
Marshall
 
Melissa Kleindl
Assistant Cashier/Personal Banker / Branch Manager
320-265-6122
 
Beardsley
 
Miranda Milner
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Cottonwood
 
Paul Enderson
Senior Vice President / Business Banker
507-485-3111
 
Wood Lake
 
Rachel Johnson
Customer Service Representative
507-747-2214
 
Lucan
 
Rebecca Velde
Assistant Cashier / Customer Service Representative / Loan Technician
507-485-3111
 
Wood Lake
 
Richard Hagen
Branch Manager / Insurance Agent
507-768-3437
 
Hanley Falls
 
Samantha Hook
Operations Specialist
507-823-4391
 
Russell
 
Shara Weckwerth
Customer Service Representative
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Sharon Stevens
Customer Service Representative
507-423-6285
 
Cottonwood
 
Suzanne Powell
Loan Technician
507-532-2426
 
Marshall
 
Tanner Hansen
Senior Vice President / Business Banker
507-658-3311
 
Ruthton
 
Toni Eckhoff
Loan Technician
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Trent Hess
Senior Vice President / Business Banker / Market Manager
507-734-2100
 
Balaton
 
Trisha Grant
Operations Specialist
507-823-4391
 
Russell

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Russell

300 Front St
PO Box 360
Russell, MN 56169

Phone
507-823-4391

Lobby Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Drive-Up Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00
Saturday: 8:30-12:00

Russell Location - Map

Marshall Location

Marshall

105 South Market Street
Marshall, MN 56258

Phone
507-532-2426

Lobby Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:30

Drive-Up Hours
Mon-Fri: 7:30-5:30
Saturday: 8:30-12:00

Marshall Location - Map

Balaton Location

Balaton

108 3rd Street
PO Box 180
Balaton, MN 56115

Phone
507-734-2100

Lobby Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Drive-Up Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00
Saturday: 8:30-12:00

Balaton Location - Map

Wood Lake Location

Wood Lake

53 2nd Avenue
PO Box 99
Wood Lake, MN 56297

Phone
507-485-3111

Lobby Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00



Wood Lake Location - Map

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Hanley Falls

101 First Street
Hanley Falls, MN 56245

Phone 
507-768-3437

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-3:00

Drive-Up Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-3:00

Hanley Falls Location - Map

Lucan Location

Lucan

106 Main Street
PO Box 138
Lucan, MN 56255

Phone
507-747-2214

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Drive-Up Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8:30-4:00
Friday: 8:30-5:30

Lucan Location - Map

Placeholder Image

Beardsley

101 Main Street North
Beardsley, MN 56211

Phone
320-265-6122

Lobby Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00-3:30


Beardsley Location - Map

Ruthton Location

Ruthton

339 Aetna St
Ruthton, MN 56170

Phone 
507-658-3311

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00


Ruthton Location - Map

Placeholder Image

Cottonwood

111 West Main Street 
Cottonwood, MN 56229

Phone
507-423-6285

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Drive-Up Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Cottonwood Location - Map

Placeholder Image

Vesta

176 South Broadway
Vesta, MN 56292

Phone 
507-762-3111

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Drive Up Hours:

Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Vesta Location - Map

Tyler Location

Tyler

111 N Tyler St.
Tyler, MN 56178

Phone 
507-247-5531

Lobby Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30-4:00

Tyler Location - Map

 

 

Telephone Voice Access: 507-823-4500

 

First Independent Bank

Big Enough to Know Business. Small Enough to Know You. 

Who We Are

First Independent Bank provides personal care for each customer while having the expertise and resources of a large bank.

With broad experience and the ability to work with more types of financing solutions than many competitors, First Independent Bank is a collaborative group of advocates for businesses and families in Minnesota. We care about our community, and that's why we do what we do. 

Why We're Here

From individuals to families, farms, and businesses...
From getting things started to keeping them working...

First Independent Bank exists to be a thriving independent community bank by building mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, employees, and local communities.


Big Enough to Know Business.

With the expertise and resources of a large bank, and with over 100 years of banking leadership, First Independent Bank advocates for businesses and farming operations of all sizes. We make financial solutions available that will keep farms and businesses healthy and growing. 

Small Enough to Know You.

We are your neighbors and friends, looking out for you and your interests as we provide access to the banking services and solutions that you need. Whether you are looking for personal banking services that will advocate for you or for a bank that can handle the high demands of a growing farm or business, First Independent Bank is here for you. 

Experts          |          Advocates          |          Neighbors  

Our Story

Our Incorporation

The Bank was reorganized in 1902, but January of 1903 was when it actually became incorporated, marking the official beginning of the present Bank, which was called First State Bank of Russell. The Bank was built of brick in 1904. In 1921, there was a disastrous fire on Main Street; the Bank only suffered water damage because of the brick structure as the flames spread throughout the wooden structures along the street.

Changing Hands

In 1923, the First State Bank purchased the Farmers State Bank and moved into the new brick building because it was better equipped to handle the increase in business. It was named Farmers and Merchants State Bank, with Harry Tillmans of Minneota as President.

Uncertainty, Robbery, and More Change

Like so many banks throughout the country, at the height (or depth) of the Big Depression, the Russell Bank closed their doors the fall of 1930 and remained closed until March 23, 1931. When it reopened in 1931, William Palmer was President.

On January 3, 1933, three masked gunmen robbed the Bank. One man was armed with an automatic weapon, one stood at the door with a machine gun, while the third remained in the car. No one was hurt in the robbery and the men were never captured.

Russell nearly lost its Bank again in 1934, when stockholders voted to move it to Marshall. Fortunately for the town, the Commissioner of Banks would not allow the move.

Over the next several years, the Bank changed hands several times and on February 1, 1947, the name was changed to Farmers State Bank.

Jim Ulvilden came to the Bank in 1953 as Ag representative and later bought the Bank. Upon Jim’s death, his wife, Irene sold the Bank to Tom Rustand.

New Ownership

In 1982, Tom Rustand sold the Bank to the current owners with Duke Pogatchnik as President and his father, Lowell Pogatchnik as Chairman of the Board.

In 1983, the new owners made plans for an expansion and remodeling project, giving Russell the finest, most modern and up to date banking facility in Southwestern Minnesota at that time.

A New Identity

In December of 1994, Farmers State Bank of Russell changed its company name to First Independent Bank. Not long after the name change, the Bank opened a branch in Marshall in January of 1995 as an added way to serve our customers. Many customers employed in Marshall had little opportunity to use the Russell office. Placing an office in Marshall satisfied many of the customer's needs.

Growing and Changing

The Marshall connection proved valuable in First Independent Bank’s next endeavor: the purchase of the Wood Lake Bank and its branch Bank in Hanley Falls in August of 1996. Wood Lake would continue to operate under its own charter for the next 12 years, but shared the same record keeping system. In November 30, 2008, Wood Lake merged with First Independent Bank and gave up their charter. This proved to be a good step for both the Wood Lake staff and customers. The merger gave the customers of the Wood Lake office the advantage of using the Marshall facility to do their banking and offered the staff more flexibility. In the fall of 2009, the Wood Lake building was remodeled and an additional office added

In April 1999, the First Independent Bank purchased the former 21st Century Bank in Balaton. By purchasing the Balaton location, we not only increased our customer base, but we were able to offer our present customers yet another location to do their banking.

In 1999, there was much talk about the Y2K compliance issues. After much preparation, First Independent Bank breezed through the big Y2K scare with no incidents.

On September 27, 2000, the First Independent Bank’s Russell Office was robbed for a second time in its history. The robber walked up to one of the teller windows, claimed to have a gun, and asked for her money. The robber then walked out of the Bank with the cash without incident. Again, no one was hurt and eventually the robber was found and arrested.

On December 5, 2001, United Prairie Bank – Slayton entered into an agreement to sell the assets and liabilities of its Marshall Branch office to First Independent Bank. This move allowed the existing Marshall Branch office to move from their facility, which they were outgrowing, into a bigger facility.

In 2003, First Independent Bank celebrated their 100th Anniversary, serving Russell and the surrounding areas. To recognize 100 years of First Independent Bank’s success, and to show appreciation for their customers that got them there, they held a celebration that included the re-enactment of the 1933 bank robbery, a performance by the “Great Pretenders”, a picnic and much more. We hope to spend the next 100 years improving and providing our customers with even better quality and wider variety of services.

Expanding into New Territory

In the fall of 2004, the Board of Directors at First Independent Bank were approached about opening an in-store branch at the new Super Walmart store in Marshall. Though in unfamiliar territory, the Bank embraced the opportunity and opened the location on April 13, 2005.

In 2005, the Bank constructed a new bank building for the Balaton office. This building features a drive-up, a 24 hour ATM and additional offices.

Due to the growth of the Bank, the Russell Office updated their building with a new addition to house a new and updated operations center, a much needed storeroom, conference room and three additional offices.

In October of 2011, First Independent Bank was presented with the opportunity to purchase the State Bank of Lucan. On December 30, 2011, the merger was completed and Lucan added $40 million in assets and offered yet another location for our growing customer base.

In March of 2013, two more offices were added to First Independent Bank with the purchase of Beardsley Bancshares, Inc. The Ruthton office was incorporated in 1917 as First Farmers & Merchants Bank with a name change to Buffalo Ridge State Bank in 1977 before being acquired by Beardsley Bancshares, Inc. in 1984.

On March 17, 2020 we closed our location located inside of the Marshall Walmart. The decision was not an easy one, but with the expansion of our Market Street location and our electronic banking options, the timing was right.

The Loss of a Leader and the Start of a New Season

On January 15th, 2021 we mourned the passing of our long-time President Dorane “Duke” Pogatchnik. On January 27th, the Bank's Board of Director's unanimously agreed upon Duke's brother, Bruce Pogatchnik, as the new President of First Independent Bank. Kathy Neels and Thomas Koerber were also named as Directors at this time. 

While we grieve Duke's untimely passing, we are thankful for his years of leadership and look forward to a new season of serving our communities. 

And our story continues...

First Independent Bank

Big Enough to Know Business. Small Enough to Know You. 

First Independent Bank provides personal care for each customer while having the expertise and resources of a large bank. With broad experience and the ability to work with more types of financing solutions than many competitors, First Independent Bank is a collaborative, relational group of advocates for businesses and families in southwestern Minnesota. 

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Big enough to know business. Small enough to know You.

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