Citizens State Bank History

Articles of Incorporation dated January 20, 1890, allowed the Citizens State Bank of Carleton to open for banking business on February 1, 1890. president of the new corporation was J.B. Whipkey. The bank obtained its charter with the State of Nebraska on October 1, 1895.

In 1918 The Citizens State Bank and the Bank of Carleton were consolidated with the liquidation of the Bank of Carleton. The president was F.A. Guy.

In 1921 the Citizens State Bank purchased the Carleton State Bank with G.H. Wrightsman elected president.

In 1929 the Citizens State Bank change ownership and the new president was H.B. Jennings.

In 1947 R.B. Walker purchased the bank and served as president until his death in 1949, at which time his wife, Lela B. Walker was named president until her retirement.

In April of 1970, the bank changed ownership again when E.J. Fujan took over as president. Upon his retirement in 1971 M.D. Jennings was named president and remained in that capacity until the bank was sold in 1975.

Lloyd E. Van Cleef purchased the Citizens State Bank in September 1975 from Robert Stofer and Douglas Jennings. He now serves as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors

In 1981 the second generation of the Van Cleef family, Michael, began his career at the Citizens State Bank. he now serves as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.