Celebrating Retirement: Steve Kraayenbrink

After 42 years of service to Marion County Bank, Steve Kraayenbrink has retired, leaving behind a legacy rooted in relationships and community. Over the decades, Steve has helped shape what our bank stands for today: relationship‑focused banking, a willingness to roll up our sleeves, and a deep belief that a community bank can make a meaningful difference.

Share a Note with Steve

Steve would truly appreciate hearing from the people and communities he’s had the privilege to serve.

In lieu of an open house, you’re invited to share a card or message in one of two ways:

• Drop off a card at our Pella or Knoxville downtown locations before April 30.
• Leave an online message using the form included below.

Your words, memories, and well wishes mean more than you know.

A Career Built on Relationships

Reflecting on his career, Steve shared:

“Serving Marion County Bank and its customers for the past 42 years has been an incredible honor. I am deeply grateful for the many customers I’ve had the privilege to work with and for the trust they placed in our bank year after year. Those relationships, along with the people I worked alongside, are what have made this work so meaningful."

That focus on relationships — not just accounts or numbers — has been a constant throughout Steve’s career. Customers were never just customers; they were people with stories, challenges, and goals, and Steve believed it was the bank’s role to walk alongside them through all of it. Even choosing, at times, to conclude his time with them in prayer.

A Story That Still Defines Our Culture

One of Steve’s favorite stories comes from a telling moment early in his career.

The day before starting at Marion County Bank, Steve had been working construction and swinging a hammer. The next day, he walked into the bank wearing a suit and tie he had bought at a garage sale — because he didn’t own one before that. He thought he was leaving construction behind and stepping fully into banking.

Instead, one of his first official jobs involved a construction project.

The bank was working on a building that needed a new roof, and Steve was asked to help. Up on that roof with him were Harry Vermeer, the owner at the time, and Lou van Wyk, who was about 68 years old.

That moment stuck with Steve. Titles didn’t matter. Everyone pitched in. Everyone worked. 

That mindset — doing the work together, helping where help is needed, and building something bigger than yourself — has been a defining part of Marion County Bank ever since.

Leadership That Helped the Bank — and Communities — Grow

Steve’s leadership coincided with decades of change in the banking industry, and he welcomed that change with a steady hand and a clear focus on people.

Under his leadership, Marion County Bank experienced sustained growth, completed the first bank acquisition in its history, and strengthened its commitment to relationship‑focused community banking. He was instrumental in leading the bank’s first expansion outside of Pella and played a key role in building long‑term relationships with businesses, farmers, families, and organizations.

Just as important, Steve welcomed countless employees into the bank over the years — helping shape a culture where people are valued and supported.

He was also deeply involved in the creation and development of many community impact projects that continue today — efforts built not just to talk about community, but to actively invest in it.

Words Shared at Steve’s Staff Retirement Breakfast

During Steve’s retirement breakfast, Klint Korver, current CEO, reflected on the leadership qualities that shaped both the bank and its culture. He spoke about Steve’s rare combination of talents — from building relationships with every type of customer to stepping back from daily operations to think long‑term. Klint noted that Steve’s integrity never wavered, that decisions were made ethically and with the greater good in mind, and that his generosity — both personally and through the bank — helped define Marion County Bank’s reputation as a joyful giver in the community. He also shared his appreciation for how Steve modeled the values of "faith, family, and work."

"The order was purposeful. And I'm sure it will be challenging as "work" changes very quickly for you. But because work was in the right place in your life, there's a lot of richness in this season to come."

Kevin Bolt, current Bank President, who worked alongside Steve for 31 years, reflected on Steve’s servant‑hearted leadership and the example he set every day. He recalled seeing Steve pick up a shovel, fix a machine, or vacuum after a busy event — never asking someone else to do work he wasn’t willing to do himself. Kevin shared that Steve’s care for people went far beyond finances; it showed in how he treated others and genuinely wanted the best for them. He also expressed deep gratitude for Steve’s influence on his own leadership, crediting him with teaching him how to lead with humility and a Christ‑like attitude — lessons he will carry with him always.

Share a Note With Steve

Banking With Purpose: Building Relationships that matter

We invite you to hear directly from Steve. In this video, he reflects on his early days at Marion County Bank, the people who shaped him, and the values that have guided his career.

Honoring a Legacy While Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Steve’s legacy, we’re also grateful for the leadership succession plan he has put in place to guide the bank forward.

Klint Korver now serves as Chief Executive Officer and is part of Marion County Bank’s executive team alongside Kevin Bolt, Bank President, and Lisa Walters, Executive Vice President.

Together, they continue the bank’s commitment to relationship‑focused banking, community involvement, and serving customers with care and integrity.

Thank You, Steve

From customers who became friends, to coworkers who became family, Steve’s 42 years reflect a life of service rooted in trust, humility, and community.

Steve, we celebrate with you today and wish you well in retirement!