The Farmers State Bank board of directors held their annual meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025. At the meeting, Steven Kunzweiler was elected to serve as the board chairman and Mary Ellen Wilkens as the board secretary. Officers were appointed for the bank with Kyle Wester, President & CEO, Benjamin Letsche, Executive Vice President, Mary Ellen Wilkens Cashier & Vice President. Steve intends to retire from the bank within the year with no firm date set.
Ben Letsche started working for Farmers State Bank in 2013. Ben, the son of Jeff and Julie Letsche, is local to Marcus and a graduate of MMC high school. Ben graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Economics and Finance. Prior to banking, Ben worked in construction. Ben and his wife Gillian have five children, Sydney (12), Syerra (12), Jack (10), Savannah (5), and Skyler (1). Ben is very involved in the Marcus community. Ben has been a member of the Marcus Fire Department for 12 years, where he is currently the rescue captain. Ben is the President of both the MMC foundation and Marcus Chamber. Ben is also an active member of the Holy Name Catholic Church and serves with the Knights of Columbus. In his “free time” Ben enjoys helping out with youth sports, playing golf, and helping out on the family farm.
Kyle Wester has been at Farmers State Bank since 2016. Kyle is the son of Eric and Sara Wester of Cleghorn and a graduate of MMC high school. Kyle graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Engineering. Before joining FSB, Kyle worked for Kuhn in Ag manufacturing. Kyle and his wife Olivia have two children, Jackson (10) and Quinn (1). Kyle has served the Marcus community by being a 7 year member of the Marcus Fire Dept, where he is the ambulance service director. He serves on the Marcus Economic Development board as the treasurer, the Little Royals Daycare board as the treasurer, and has served on several committees at Grace Methodist Church. Away from work, Kyle is passionate about the family farm. He also enjoys helping out when he can with youth sports.

Since 2010, Eric Wester of rural Cleghorn had served as a director for Farmers State Bank until his passing last August. Eric gave great insight to the board during those 15 years of service, offering his perspective on farming and cattle production. Eric was a good man who is missed.
At the same February meeting, Daniel Erickson was elected to fill the vacant board position. Dan is the son of Kent and Jean Erickson. He is a high school graduate of MMC and a college graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College with a Farm Equipment Technology degree. Prior to farming full time, Dan most recently worked for Northern Natural Gas as a pipeline technician. Dan began farming in 2012. His operation primarily consists of row crop, custom application, and some construction work. Dan and his wife Breanne have two children, Owen (14) and Emma (17). Dan has been involved with many community organizations including serving on the Marcus Fire Dept for 18 years, where he held an officer position. Additionally, Dan was the treasurer for the Marcus Community Fire Association for 6 years. Dan is currently an Elder at Peace Lutheran Church, a trustee for Henry Township, a board member of the Marcus Amherst Community Cemetery, and is currently serving on the MMC School board. Dan spends most of his free time helping with and attending his kids’ events. We welcome Daniel Erickson to the board at Farmers State Bank.