About Us & Bank History

Union State Bank has been serving the financial needs of the local community since 1903.

Our History

Incorporation

The West Salem State Bank was incorporated August 5, 1903 as a private corporation with George D. Sprain as President and W.I. Van Zandt as Vice President. H.C. Heider became Vice President in 1913.
The La Crosse County Bank was incorporated on August 19, 1903, with Leonard Lottridge as President and Andrew McEldowney as Vice President. W.L. Dudley became President in 1904 until 1917 when F.P. Coburn became President. L.C. Sanders was Vice President from 1904 to 1932.
The West Salem State Bank and the La Crosse County Bank merged on October 12, 1932 and became Union State Bank of West Salem with Frank J. Bolles as President and John Meyer as Vice President.
On January 29, 2021, Union State Bank of West Salem amended its Article of Incorporation to become "Union State Bank".

Leadership

In 1934 John Meyer became President until he died in 1957.
Bernie A. Mau served as Vice President in 1934 until 1941 when Dr. Guy F. Wakefield became Vice President. He held this position until 1957 when he assumed the Presidency following the death of John Meyer.
When Dr. Wakefield died in 1966, Theodore F. Bolles became President and Claude E. Backus became Vice President.
Mr. Bolles served as President until 1979 and thereafter continued as a Bank Director until he died in 1989 after serving over 50 years of service to Union State Bank.
L. Allan Rogge was the managing officer of the bank from 1968 to 1975, holding the title of Vice President and Cashier.
Kenneth Keller served as managing officer from 1975 to 1979, holding the office of Executive Vice President during his tenure.
Jerome Klos became Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1979 until his passing on November 5, 2006.
Bryant Klos became Chairman of the Board of Directors on November 15, 2006 and continues to serve in that capacity.
In 1979 Donald Malmo became managing officer, serving in that capacity until his retirement early in 1995.
Keith Baker succeeded Mr. Malmo on February 1, 1995 and served as President and managing officer until July 13, 2004.
Diane L. Hicks succeeded Mr. Baker as President and CEO until her retirement on June 30, 2007.
Steven L. Zeman succeeded Mrs. Hicks as President until his retirement on October 30, 2020.
Jane R. Leis succeeded Mr. Zeman as CEO and held that position until August 30, 2024.
James L. Anderson succeeded Mr. Zeman as President and continues in that capacity.

Location

The Bank was originally located at 130 South Leonard Street in West Salem until the spring of 1971, when it moved to a new building at 120 South Mill Street, just one block east of the old location. In 2003, we expanded further with the opening of our Union Station Branch at the intersection of County Highway M and US Highway 16 on June 3. Most recently, in August 2021, Union State Bank established a loan production office in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Mission

Union State Bank is a community-owned bank whose mission is to provide our customers and community with quality financial services and strive to understand each customer's unique situation and tailor our product offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. We will accomplish this through listening, responsiveness, honesty, and by having accurate and secure internal controls.

Our directors, officers and staff are proud to help you, your family and business with all of your financial needs. All of our directors and officers live and work in our area and are active with communities we serve.

Join Our Team

New Accounts Representative / Teller

Union State Bank – West Salem, WI
Union State Bank is a community‑owned institution dedicated to serving our customers with honesty, accuracy, and genuine care. We’re looking for friendly, motivated individuals who enjoy helping people and want to learn new skills in a supportive banking environment.

Position Overview: As a Full-Time New Account/Teller, you will play a vital role in managing a variety of banking transactions while delivering a high standard of customer service. This role requires a detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is capable of multitasking effectively.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with alternating Saturday mornings, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

What You’ll Do

Customer Service — Welcome customers, listen actively, and provide helpful, friendly support.
New Accounts — Assist customers with opening checking, savings, and CDs, while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Teller Transactions — Learn and perform deposits, withdrawals, payments, and other routine banking tasks.
Digital Banking Support — Guide customers through online banking, mobile banking, and digital tools.
Phone Support — Answer incoming calls and direct customers to the appropriate team members.
Account Maintenance — Process debit cards, gift cards, account changes, and customer updates.
Cash Handling — Work with cash, coin, and financial documents with accuracy and care.
Team Operations — Support daily branch operations and contribute to a positive team environment.

What We’re Looking For

Strong communication and listening skills
Comfort working with numbers and basic math
Attention to detail and accuracy
A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Ability to work well with others in a busy environment
Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, email)

Banking experience is helpful but not required — we provide training.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k)
Sick and Vacation Time
Life Insurance
Maternity Leave
Supportive, team‑oriented culture

Salary: Competitive salary based on experience.

Work Environment
You’ll interact with customers, coworkers, and bank leaders while learning how a community bank operates. The role includes both desk work and time at the teller line, with occasional lifting of coin bags or boxes.

How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume to Jodie Curtis at jodiecurtis@usbws.com. You may also mail your application to: Union State Bank P.O. Box 870 West Salem, WI 54669

Equal Opportunity Employer
Union State Bank is committed to providing a workplace where all employees are treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

e’re Here to Serve You

For 120 years Union State Bank has provided our customers and community with quality financial services. Union State Bank has two Branch locations in West Salem and a Loan Production Office in Black River Falls. Give us a call or stop into one of our locations.