🕵️‍♂️ Cyber Smart Tip of the Week
Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, hackers could gain access to your other accounts. Avoid saving passwords directly to your computer or browser—if your device is lost or hacked, your saved passwords could be exposed. Instead, use a trusted password manager to securely store and manage them.
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, and 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 with the slogan “The Bank shall operate for the benefit of the community first, last, and always”.
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.
1971
LaVonne Nicolai became Vice President and still holds that title today.
1981
Arnold Kruse and Dan Nicolai Sr 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 Nicolai created the Castle Rockers’ Travel Club, which provided community members an opportunity to take part in group travel, attend plays and events around the nation.
2000
First State Bank of Castle Rock was renamed Castle Rock Bank.
2003
Dan Nicolai Sr receives “The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award”. Which is the highest honor bestowed by Lions Club recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to humanitarian service. It is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the organization and the communities it serves.
2008
Dan Nicolai Sr received the “Legacy of Community Banking Award” recognizes individuals with at least 50 years of dedicated service to community banking and civic leadership. The award is presented by BankIn Minnesota, which honors those who have significantly contributed to their banks and communities over a lifetime. Recipients are recognized for their integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication.Â
2016
Castle Rock Bank Celebrates 100 years of Service!
(more information below)
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.
2023
Castle Rock Bank updated all of its technology. We went to real time banking, updated our online services and our debit cards.
2025
The Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) inducted LaVonne Nicolai into the Pioneer Bankers Club during the 135th Annual Summit held in Brainerd on June 10. The Pioneer Bankers Club recognizes bankers who have been leaders of the industry for 50 years or more. Lavonne was one of seven 2025 inductees.
2025
Stay Turned for our Exciting Future!
Board of Directors
President
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Pat Lenertz
Vice President
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LaVonne Nicolai
Vice President
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Danny Nicolai
Vice President
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David Nicolai
Board Member
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David Burr
Board Member
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Barb Ackerman
Community Commitment at 100 years!…and still going!
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 2025 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.