Bank VP retires after decades of service to the community

RANDOLPH — First State Bank in Randolph has banked on Don Backer for the last 48 years.

But now he’s ready to cash it in, officially retiring at the end of the month.

“It doesn’t seem like yesterday but it sure doesn’t feel like 48 years,” he said.

Backer first started working at the bank in the fall of 1973 as a bookkeeper and through the years moved up the ladder to teller, cashier and then his current role as vice-president.

Born and raised in Randolph, Backer said he’s enjoyed all of the personal relationships he’s been able to develop - with fellow co-workers, businesses and individual customers.

“He has a real heart for helping customers and just a passion for helping people. People are comfortable with him and rightly so,” said Bank President Mark Linville.

Linville said Backer has been an integral part of the bank’s management team and has helped lead the bank through changes over the years with electronic banking and automated systems.

“He’s someone I relied on for many years to help make those decisions,” he said.

The bank has been blessed with longevity among its employees.

Sandra Burbach - an employee for 41 years - was recently promoted to vice president when Backer announced his retirement. Another vice-president Sandy Owens recently celebrated her 25th year. Christie Larsen, in her seventh year, was promoted to assistant cashier and will fulfill most of Backer’s duties.

Backer doesn’t have any plans in his retirement at the moment. His wife, Jackie, will continue to work, but the couple hope to carve out some extra time with their children. Son Jacob, his wife, Emily, and their son, Jesse, live in Grand Marais, Minn. Daughter Hannah resides in Kearney.

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