Owatonna Local Do-Gooder Receives Recognition from Home Federal Bank

Home Federal Bank in Owatonna has recently announced that they have rewarded Joe Falteysek with $1,000 in cash as part of the bank’s ongoing Seed Money campaign that recognizes and rewards individuals who go above and beyond in the communities they serve.

In a recent press release, Home Federal Bank shares that

Joe was nominated because he has dedicated his life to providing service and volunteerism on various community projects – from helping out the Steele County Historical Society and Cub Scouts to hosting holiday dinners at the VFW and volunteering at St. Mary's hospital – all on top of, up until 2021, his full-time carpentry career. His biggest passion involves recognizing veterans and their families with the Color Guard and Honor Guard. As the current commander, he leads the charge in coordinating local appearances, events, and funerals, where they help families lay their loved veterans to rest- rain or shine. As a veteran himself, he believes people who have served deserve recognition for all they have done for our country.

 

John Iverson, a friend and fellow Honor Guard volunteer, "witnesses the direct impact that Joe has on the veterans' community often. 'I have served with Joe on the Honor Guard for 10 years and every comment made about his commitment to veterans and honoring their service is absolutely true.'" Home Federal explains that While Joe wants to recognize veterans for all they have done, he never expects recognition for all the efforts he makes himself to improve the Owatonna community which is why John believes Joe is the perfect recipient of Seed Money.

Brad Vettrus, Market President, knows Joe from the community and always thought that Joe is worthy of recognition. “He has done so much volunteering quietly while not wanting the acknowledgment from others that he most certainly deserves. It’s just a small token of our appreciation for all that he does.”

Home Federal documented Joe’s surprise on video. You can watch his video and others here, as well as learning more about the VFW and how you can help support veterans in your community.

All information is credit to the press release by Melissa Vonarx from Home Federal Bank. Home Federal is headquartered out of Rochester, MN, and operates 14 full-service banks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa along with Loan Production Offices in Sartell, MN and La Crosse, WI. Home Federal provides individuals and businesses alike with a full range of banking and financing services. Home Federal is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. To learn more about how you can “Bring your banking home,” visit their website here.