About

History

First National Bank of Good Thunder

On December 20, 1919, First National Bank of Good Thunder was incorporated.

Lake Crystal National Bank

In 1933, Lake Crystal National Bank was organized.

New Building in Lake Crystal

In 1974, Lake Crystal National Bank built a new building.

The First State Bank of Good Thunder

In 1978, The First State Bank of Good Thunder was incorporated.

Jim Clark is President

In 1980, Jim Clark became the president of MinnStar Bank. He served as president until 2009.

Lake Crystal Bank Purchases First State Bank of Good Thunder

In 1990, Lake Crystal National Bank purchased the First State Bank of Good Thunder.

MinnStar Bank National Association

In 1992, Lake Crystal National Bank and its sister banks in Mankato and Good Thunder changed names to MinnStar Bank National Association.

Moved from South Front Street Location

In 2006, MinnStar Bank moved from its South Front Street location to the newly constructed building on Poplar Street in Mankato.

New Mankato Location

In 2006, MinnStar Bank held an open house to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Mankato location on Poplar Street.

MinnStar Bank of Good Thunder Closes

In October 2012, the Good Thunder branch closed and transferred all of their customer's accounts to the Mankato and Lake Crystal locations.

80 Years of Service in Lake Crystal

In 2013, MinnStar Bank celebrated 80 years of service in the Lake Crystal area.

Steve Olson Retires

Steve Olson retired after years of service with MinnStar Bank. Steve was CEO/President prior to his retirement. There was a retirement reception held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at both the Lake Crystal location and the Mankato location.

Mark Monson named CEO/President

Mark has been working in the banking industry since 1991. Prior to being named CEO/President, he was a Senior Commercial Lender.

Board of Directors

  • Matt Lantz, Chairman

    Lake Crystal, MN
    Member Since 2009
  • Paul Collis

    Lake Crystal, MN
    Member Since 2006
  • Gordon Kuznia

    Lake Crystal, MN
    Member Since 2012
  • Cherie Clark-Stemig

    Lake Crystal, MN
    Member Since 2015
  • Mark Monson

    Mankato, MN
    Member Since 2018
  • Jordan Smith

    Mankato, MN
    Member Since 2023

Community

At MinnStar Bank, we are committed to enriching the communities we serve and are proud supporter of the following organizations in our communities:

Blue Earth County Historical Society
CityArt Mankato
City Center Mankato
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
Educare
Greater Mankato Growth
Habitat for Humanity
Hospice
Lake Crystal Rec Center
Lake Crystal  Wellcome Memorial School District
Minnesota Valley Action Council