A Century of Community. A Legacy of Trust.
On February 26, 1926, Home State Bank opened its doors with a simple promise: to serve customers and the community in the best possible way.
One hundred years later, that promise remains unchanged.
For generations, families, businesses, and agricultural producers across central and west-central Minnesota have trusted Home State Bank not only with their finances but also with their goals, growth, and futures.
Home State Bank was founded in Kandiyohi in 1926 under the leadership of William Nagel and its original board of directors. From the very beginning, the bank was rooted in service, integrity, and community commitment.
During the Great Depression, Home State Bank never closed its doors. In 1933, we joined the FDIC, reinforcing our commitment to safety, stability, and customer trust.
That resilience would become a defining characteristic of our institution.
In 1971, Ken and Alix Behm acquired a majority ownership stake, marking the beginning of Home State Bank’s journey as a family-owned community bank.
Today, we proudly remain a second-generation, family-owned independent financial institution.
Being locally owned means our leadership lives and works in the communities we serve, and our decisions reflect that responsibility.
For a century, Home State Bank has remained financially strong and independently operated through changing economic cycles.
Our longevity is not accidental. It is built on:
From the Great Depression to modern market shifts, our commitment to sound banking principles has allowed us to serve families, farms, and businesses for generations.
As our communities evolved, so did we.
Throughout the decades, Home State Bank expanded thoughtfully:
Innovation has always supported our mission, never replaced personal service.
Laura Warne
Owner / President / CEO
As President Laura Warne reflects:
“Since opening our doors on February 26, 1926, Home State Bank has remained rooted in a simple but powerful belief that banking is about people.”
She continues:
“Being a family-owned, independent community bank since 1971 has allowed us to make decisions locally, serve authentically, and build relationships that last. We are grateful to our customers, employees, and communities who have trusted us for generations.”
To mark this milestone, we’re celebrating throughout the year with special promotions and customer appreciation events.
A limited-time 12-Month CD offering 4.00% APY*
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum balance $2,500. Rate effective 02/26/2026 – 03/26/2026 and subject to change. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Member FDIC.
Home State Bank is giving away prizes all year long, including Yeti®, Blackstone®, Wild Tickets, Beats® headphones, and a Grand Prize Drawing.
We will be starting things off with a Yeti® Cooler!
See official rules for details.
Today, Home State Bank proudly serves customers through four locations—Willmar, Cosmos, Litchfield, and Hutchinson.
With more than 40 dedicated employees and our guiding motto, “People You Can Talk To,” we continue to deliver personal, relationship-focused banking where customers feel known, valued, and at home.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we honor our past, appreciate our present, and look ahead with confidence to the next century of community banking.
Sponsor: Home State Bank, Minnesota-chartered financial institution.
Eligibility: Open to legal U.S. residents age 18 or older. Employees, officers, and immediate family members of Home State Bank are not eligible. Void where prohibited.
How to Enter: Enter in person at any Home State Bank branch during the promotion period.
No purchase or account required. Limit one entry per person/day.
Promotion Period: February 26 – March 25.
Prize: Yeti Cooler
Winner Selection: Winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received. One winner from each branch.
Odds: Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.
Notification: Winner will be contacted by phone or email.
General: This promotion is subject to all applicable federal and Minnesota laws. Participation does not create or require a banking relationship.
