First State Bank of Kiester - locally owned and independently operated since being established in 1899, First State Bank has been committed to adding to the quality of life in the communities.
The First National Bank of Kiester was initially chartered as a State Bank in 1899 and made a conversion to a National Bank Charter on August 25, 1914. The bank has operated as an independent bank since its origination with the majority of its stockholders being from the local area. In 1969 a one-bank holding company was formed and in 1970 the holding company controlled 62% of the stock and was purchased by a group of area investors and local bank employees. As of today’s date Kiester Investments, Inc. is the sole stockholder. Kiester Investments, Inc. is still owned by area investors and local bank employees. On June 28, 2004, the bank converted again to a State Bank Charter and is currently known as First State Bank of Kiester.
Since its inception, the bank’s primary mission has been to serve the banking needs of Kiester and the surrounding rural area, which also goes into the Scarville, Iowa area. In April 2002 the bank expanded its service area by opening a branch in Conger, MN. Unfortunately on April 9, 2010 our Conger branch was closed. The First State Bank of Kiester has built a reputation of being a friendly and helping bank. Through the years our bank has enjoyed a high quality and caring staff.
The present building has been updated and modernized several times since 1966. The building was designed to fully meet the needs of the bank and local community. It appears that the building will serve the bank’s needs well into the 21st century. The First State Bank is an independent unit bank and fully intends to remain independent.
