Our story starts with you.
For more than a century, our story has been shaped by relationships, strengthened by community, and carried forward by generations of customers, employees, and local leaders.
The legacy of TruCommunity Bank began with a chance meeting on a train at the end of World War II, when Captain Wayne Stroup met banker Hans Fischer, owner of Garrison State Bank & Farmers Security Bank. Their conversation sparked a connection that would shape Community Banking in McLean County for generations.
In 1957, Wayne worked at a family bank in Hazen when Hans Fischer surprised him with the offer: “I’m going to sell you my bank in Garrison.” Wayne later acquired Farmers Security Bank in 1961 and established the Bank of Turtle Lake in 1965. Expansion continued with the Max location in 2017.
Leadership passed to Wayne’s son, Jan Stroup, who in 2018, echoed Fischer’s famous line when he approached Jamie Nelson, President of Farmers Security Bank, and offered to sell her the majority ownership of the banks. On March 5, 2020, the majority stock officially transferred to Jamie, ensuring continuity of local, community-focused banking.
In 2021, the McLean Bank Holding Company unified its three independent banks-Garrison State Bank & Trust, Farmers Security Bank, and Bank of Turtle Lake-under one charter and one name: TruCommunity Bank.
Today, TruCommunity Bank proudly serves customers from its locations in Garrison, Max, Turtle Lake, and Washburn, carrying forward more than a century of community-focused banking.
Our Beginnings
A single conversation sparked a legacy that still guides us today.
- End of World War II: Captain Wayne Stroup meets banker Hans Fischer on a train
- Fischer owned Garrison State Bank & Farmers Security Bank
- A relationship was formed—not just a business opportunity, but a shared belief in community banking
Growing Our Roots
What started as an opportunity quickly became a mission to serve more communities.
- 1957 → Wayne acquires Garrison State Bank
- 1961 → Adds Farmers Security Bank
- 1965 → Establishes Bank of Turtle Lake
- 2017 → Expands with location in Max
A Legacy Passed Forward
The strength of our story lies in the people who carry it forward.
- Leadership transitions from Wayne Stroup to his son, Jan
- 2018: Jan approaches Jamie Nelson with the same words once spoken to his father
- March 5, 2020: Ownership officially transfers to Jamie
One Name, One Future
Stronger together—built for simplicity, clarity, and continued growth.
- 2021: Garrison State Bank & Trust, Farmers Security Bank, and Bank of Turtle Lake unified
- Formed one charter: TruCommunity Bank
- Combined strength while maintaining local service
Our Commitment Today
Through every chapter, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to the people we serve.
- Decisions made locally, by people who know you
- Relationships built to last—not just transactions
- Modern banking tools with personal service
- A deep commitment to the communities we serve
Our story is still being written.
Every customer, employee, community partner, and neighbor plays a role in what comes next. As we look to the future, our commitment remains the same: building relationships, supporting our communities, and helping people achieve their financial goals.
