A farm loan brought Hardwick’s Don Bryan into the banking business in 1975, and after 47 years in banking, he is retiring from the industry.
On Tuesday, May 31, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Security Savings Bank in Luverne will host a retirement party in Bryan’s honor.
“It has truly been an honor and privilege to work with Don. He provided exceptional customer service and was well versed in all items related to banking,” said Ryan DeBates of Security Savings Bank in Luverne.
“He was a cornerstone of our bank and community, and his highest standard will be continued by Security Savings Bank.”
Bryan’s foray into a banking career came unexpectedly in the spring of 1975.
He was working at the grain elevator in Hardwick when a local farmer offered to rent him 80 acres for the 1975 crop season.
Bryan needed a loan to take advantage of the offer, and he stopped by Hardwick State Bank to ask for a farm loan from owner Les Rolfs. In addition to a loan, Rolfs had another question.
“He said, ‘How would you like to work for us?’,” Bryan recalled. “It was completely out of the blue and I didn’t know what to say — and we talked for a while.”
The two agreed that Bryan would give the bank job a try, starting after his 80 acres were planted. “I didn’t start until July,” Bryan said.
Once in the door, Bryan learned all aspects of the banking industry from teller to insurance sales to ag and personal loaning.
He’s seen a lot of changes through the years as technology made counting money and implementing loan agreements faster.
Community service moved to the forefront during Bryan’s almost 50 years in banking.
He made a point to attend local events and support area youth — something Knute Oldre has noticed and will try to continue as he works to fill Bryan’s shoes.
“He’s the only guy with an 80-percent recognition in Rock County — the guy with the white mustache,” Oldre said.
Bryan spent 40 years as a volunteer with the Hardwick Fire Department and more than 50 years with the Arthur Moeller American Legion Post. He’s a Zion Lutheran Church elder, delivered the Announcer on Saturdays, served on the Luverne School Board and was formerly mayor of Hardwick.
He’s also kept in touch with the ag roots he developed while growing up on a farm between Hardwick and Jasper. He regularly lends a hand in the field whenever asked by friends and family.
In retirement, Bryan doesn’t plan to sit at home with his wife, Lorna, not that she would let him, he joked.
His first plans are to help friend Bill Aanenson, who owns Rock Motorsports in Luverne, and be the “go-fer” while being more active in activities that interest him.
“I have two motorcycles and an ATV, three lawn mowers and all that stuff. I’ve always enjoyed messing with them,” he said.
Bryan also plans to spend more time with grown sons Chris and Craig and his six grandchildren.
“I don’t want to get up in the morning and not know what I’m going to do for the day,” he said.