About Us
Castle Rock Bank is the only home-owned bank in Castle Rock, Farmington, or Randolph. Because it is an independent bank, the decisions are made right in the office where you do business by people who are interested in your individual needs. Castle Rock Bank has over 260 million dollars in assets and has grown in strength because of its dedication to prompt, professional, personal service.
Meet Our President
Pat Lenertz
The Nicolai Family
Danny, LaVonne, Dan Sr, and David
Castle Rock Bank History
1916
Investors organized the First State Bank of Castle Rock on August 16, 1916. Dan Wallace served as the bank’s first president.
1920
The bank was first located north of the elevator until 1920, when the “original” Castle Rock Bank was constructed on the lot, were it remains to this day.
1942
On January 19, 1942, Percy “Puck” Records was named President. Percy served as a cashier and managing officer from the bank’s founding.
1958
Arnold Kruse was named President until his retirement in 1961.
The first addition to The Castle Rock Bank was completed. This was the first time bank tellers were freed of their “cages” and began appearing across open counters to greet and serve their patrons.
1961
Dan Nicolai Sr became President and held the title until he passed away in 2020.
1981
Arnold Kruse and Dan Nicolai broke ground for a separate bank building in Farmington on December 16th.
1982
The Farmington Branch of Castle Rock Bank was completed in September.
1987
LaVonne created the Castle Rockers’ Travel Club, which provided community members an opportunity to take part in group travel, attend plays and events around the state.
2000
First State Bank of Castle Rock was renamed Castle Rock Bank.
2008
Dan Nicolai received the Legacy of Community Banking Award from the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota.
2021
Pat Lenertz was hired as the Castle Rock Bank’s current President.
2022
David Nicolai opened a third branch in Randolph on December 7th.
2024
Castle Rock Bank updated all of its technology. We went to real time banking, updated our online services and our debit cards.
Stayed Tuned for Our Bright Future!
Nicolai Family History
1956
Dan Nicolai first stepped into Castle Rock Bank, he did so as a fill in for the Arthur Billey, who was called up to active duty.
1958
Dan returned to his position at Stockyards National Bank in South St Paul as Arthur returned to his at Castle Rock Bank. By autumn Dan had accepted a full time position at Castle Rock Bank managing the day to day operations.
1961
July 1st, 1961, Dan married LaVonne Stotesbery at St. Mathias church in Hampton.
1963
LaVonne gave birth to their first child, Daniel Lloyd (Danny).
1966
LaVonne gave birth to their second child, David John.
1983
Danny worked at the bank while going to high school and continued on after graduating from Inver Hills Community College in 1983. Danny was an Assistant Vice President and managed the home office in Castle Rock and the Castle Rock Insurance Agency.
1990
David held various jobs while in high school and college. He graduated from Mankato State University in 1990 and took a role within the bank after. David was an Assistant Vice President and managed the Farmington Office and the investment portfolio.
1990
Danny married Mary
1992
David married Michelle
2016
Dan Sr celebrated sixty years in banking on February 16th.
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Community Commitment at 100 years!
That’s the Spirit of Community Pride
This is the hallmark that has kept the Castle Rock Bank going strong for over one hundred years.
Supporting local businesses, schools, and community groups, Castle Rock Bank continues to be a hometown community leader. The bank encourages a strong work ethic with a history of volunteerism that has supported civic organizations and founded many community traditions that remain active today.
Since investors organized the bank on August 16, 1916, the value of philanthropy can be traced to Castle Rock Bank’s history, with this cornerstone belief: A bank shall operate for the benefit of the community first, last, and always.
Every director and stockholder of Castle Rock Bank has a local address. This ensures that the bank maintains personal contact with its customers.
As Castle Rock Bank marks its one hundred year, its mission to build personal relationships with area residents, community leaders, and business owners remains paramount. We work each day to ensure the best future for our customers. We know they appreciate the long-term relationships they’ve enjoyed with bank staff, relationships which cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
You know Us, We know You.
Five Star Rating
Castle Rock Bank has a 5 Star Superior Rating!
Awarded June 2024 Castle Rock Bank was rated for continuously earning five-star SUPERIOR ratings. We did this in each of the last reporting periods analyzed by our firm Bauer Financial, Inc. We have been rated five stars since September 1991.
The award is based on an analysis of the most recent financial data filed by Castle Rock Bank with federal regulators, supplemented by historical data.
“Castle Rock Bank has achieved SUPERIOR 5-star banking strength and performance time and again,” said Paul A. Bauer, president of the research firm. “This 5 star award is clear evidence of Castle Rock Bank’s consistently SUPERIOR bank performance,” he added.
To receive the star rating of any bank call 1-800-388-6686 Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Central Time) or visit their website.