He was a man of action, and the stories of his adventures will be missed by all. Outside of the bank he relished the time at his children’s, and later grandchildren’s, activities, and spending as much time as possible with ‘the boys ’ whether wetting a line, walking a field, throwing a curling stone, or swinging a club. He was a devoted father and husband, a reliable and dedicated friend forever smiling and armed with a joke. He was a Paul Harris fellow Rotarian and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Forever the community banker, Tom served on various non-profit boards and service-based organizations including, but not limited to, Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce, North Country Memorial Hospital, BSU Foundation, Lakeland PBS, Minnesota Bankers Association and Bemidji Youth Baseball. During his time as President, working in tandem with his cousins Paul and Hugh Welle, the bank experienced consistent growth and was recognized nationally within the industry for its financial performance.Īlthough Tom was often cited for the financial success of First National Bank Bemidji, his greatest joy came from the relationships he forged with his customers, colleagues, and the communities in which served.

In 1985, Tom was persuaded by his Uncles Joe and Bob Welle to join First National Bank Bemidji, first as an Executive Vice President and later as President in 1988, a position he held for the next 30 years and as Chairmen of the Board until his passing. Paul to Brainerd, and later to International Falls after being named the President for that location one of the youngest persons in Bremer’s history to serve in that role. But his desire to be closer to the customer and to live North led him down a different road within Bremer uprooting his family from St. During this time, he demonstrated a financial prowess and understanding of the banking business, rising quickly through the ranks, and was offered a career path within the corporate headquarters. Paul, Minnesota as an internal examiner and later as a financial analyst within the holding company, or corporate offices, of Bremer Bank. Tom began his banking career with Bremer Bank in St. 1972 was also the year he married his lifetime partner, Paulette Eileen Beyer. in business Administration with a concentration in finance. Upon graduating from Cretin high school, he completed two years at Anoka Ramsey Community College before attending and graduating from Bemidji State University in 1972 with a B.S. It was during these formative years that Tom developed a love for the Northwoods, particularly when it came to hunting and fishing.

In the summer months, Richard and Virginia would load their children into the family vehicle for a vacation to the Welle cabin on Lake Beltrami. Tom grew up in Roseville, Minnesota, the oldest of 6 boys and often at the center of various mischievous activities amongst his brothers and childhood friends in Belmont Lane and surrounding neighborhoods. Tom was born on July 24, 1950, to Richard and Virginia Welle in St. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to a local service organization or non-profit of your choosing. Visitation will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial Mass will be 11am, Thursday, December 16, 2021, at St.

After a long battle with prostate cancer, Tom Welle passed away peacefully on Thursday, Decemsurrounded by his wife and immediate family.

Olson schwartz funeral home in bemidji