Our History

150 years of thriving together.


1874
C. Hardin & Sons opens its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca.

1892
The Bank of Waseca is succeeded by Citizens' State Bank of Waseca which was owned and operated by A. D. Cadwell and F. N. Hunt.

1903
Citizens' State Bank of Waseca is absorbed by The First National Bank of Waseca when it was chartered in 1903. 

1942
Frank T. Sankovitz, National Bank Examiner assigned to examine The First National Bank of Waseca, discovered shortages dating back to 1931.

1943
Otto Bremer of the newly formed Bremer Bank purchased the stock from former bank president. E. O. Herter elected President of The First National Bank of Waseca. Frank T. Sankovitz resigns as National Bank Examiner and appointed Executive Vice President and Director of the bank.

1958
Richard P. Sankovitz, son of Frank T. Sankovitz, begins his career and joins The First National Bank of Waseca as a teller and bookkeeper.

1962
The First National Bank of Waseca relocates across the street to its present location.

1966
Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchases controlling interest of The First National Bank of Waseca.

1971
Richard P. Sankovitz is named the youngest President of The First National Bank of Waseca at age 35.

1985
Richard P. Sankovitz is named Board Chairman & CEO of The First National Bank of Waseca.

1992
Tom Sankovitz, son of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca as Assistant Auditor.

1994
Tom Sankovitz is named Chief Financial Officer of The First National Bank of Waseca.

1995
Bernie Gaytko, son-in-law of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca as Vice President of Marketing.

1997
The First National Bank of Waseca acquires The Bank of Ellendale & Hope. Additionally, Ann Gaytko, daughter of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca.

1998
The First National Bank of Waseca acquires the Northridge Branch of Valley Bank from Frandsen Financial Corporation. The branch was later consolidated with the main bank in 2009.

2002
Bernie Gaytko is named President of The First National Bank of Waseca.

2022
The First National Bank of Waseca changes their name and operates as Keen Bank.

2023
Keen Bank relocates their Hope location to Owatonna.

2024
Keen Bank celebrates its 150th anniversary of serving the financial needs of Waseca and surrounding communities.