On behalf of our directors and employees, I welcome you to Bancroft State Bank.

Bancroft State Bank is A BANK FOR ALL PEOPLE. We take great pride in our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every customer and are pleased to offer friendly, knowledgeable employees that are eager to serve your banking and insurance needs. Bancroft State Bank has been locally owned since 1912, offering unsurpassed knowledge of the local economy and the ability to respond quickly to your important banking needs. We are over 100 years old and will continue to serve you for many more years.

We understand that everyone's needs are different and we analyze your situation as a person, not just a number. We are constantly striving to bring you the services you want. We have loan officers available at our Bancroft, Hancock, Plainfield and Saratoga offices. Contact any of our five locations to speak with an employee to get more information about any of our products.

Thank you for visiting our web site. We hope you will visit us often – either on our web site or in person.

Sincerely,
Jill A. Kollock, President

Celebrating 100 Years as Your Community Bank!

The bank opened it's doors in Bancroft in 1912 through the efforts of Albert W. Manley, its first President; Buchanan Johnson, Vice President; and Harold Ostrum, Cashier. In 1917, Jesse L. Judd, Harold Ostrum's brother-in-law, became cashier. Harold Ostrum moved to Blanchardville, Wisconsin and established a bank there. The bank was established with $10,000.00 capital stock. Harry Manley, a son of Albert Manley, started working in the bank as Assistant Cashier in 1925. In 1930, Llewellyn Walker became President after 6 years as Vice President. In 1937, Jesse L. Judd became President and remained so until his death in 1971. This ended his career in banking of over 50 years.

Throughout the history of the bank, its molders had an undying faith in the bank. Even through the shakiest period, around 1932 when many banks were closing their doors and depositors were seeing their deposits dwindle, the bank was the only local area bank that remained open and solvent.

Others that contributed to the growth of the bank through their dedication were Dorthy Kitowski, who was cashier from 1942 to 1949, and Alice Kollock (now Alice Polley) who was cashier from 1949 to 1991. Jenny Musland (now Jenny Hansen), Betty Daberkow, Loleta Hofschild, and Michael Olson served many years helping to grow the bank. In 1959, John Judd, son of Jesse L. Judd, started at the bank and served as President from 1971 to 2005. The bank prospered under his direction and he was very involved in the community helping many farmers and business. In 1991, Jill Kollock, daughter of John Judd, started at the bank as Cashier. Jill Kollock was named President in 2005 and became the third generation to manage the bank. Linda Russell became Cashier in 2003 and Matthew Lemke became Cashier in 2012.

Jesse Judd was a strong intelligent gentleman, as a lone robber once found out in 1960. The robber shot one shot into the floor in an attempt to scare the cashiers. Jesse heard the shot from his office and grabbed his rifle. He pointed the gun at the robber and asked him what he thought he was doing. The robber fled immediately with no money! The gun wasn't even loaded!

These same strong principals apply today. Our bank is dedicated to improving and investing in your community. Our decisions are based on your individuality. Being independent makes us all stronger!

In 1972, the Kellner branch opened its doors on 80th Street in Wisconsin Rapids. Deborah Spaude is our branch manager here.

In 1992, the Saratoga branch opened its doors on Highway 13 South in Wisconsin Rapids. Mathew Lemke is our branch manager here. Debra Miller is our operations branch manager.

In 2000, the Hancock branch opened its doors in Hancock. Deborah Monroe was our first manager. Cindy Johnson is our branch manager here.

In 2002, the Plainfield branch opened its doors on Highway 73 in Plainfield. Lisa Rader is our branch manager here.

We are proud of our knowledgeable employees and supportive customers. Each one has contributed to the success of the bank and community through volunteering and their concern for making things better.