1969 · Oakes, North Dakota
Where the
Journey Began
Frank and his late wife, JoAndrea, purchased the First National Bank of Oakes on January 1, 1969. They acquired the Ellendale bank in 1970, beginning a family banking journey that would eventually become Starion Bank.
Frank and JoAndrea Larson at the beginning of a family banking journey.
In Memory Of
Frank Larson
A Life of Service.
A Legacy of Community.
Frank Larson believed a community bank should help people achieve their dreams. For more than five decades, he dedicated his life to encouraging people, supporting businesses and farmers, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
Five Decades of Service
The Journey
From one community bank in Oakes to an organization serving communities across two states, the path was always guided by people.
1969
The Beginning
Frank and JoAndrea Larson purchased First National Bank of Oakes.

1970
Growing the Vision
The Larson family acquired the Ellendale bank.

1985
Craig Larson began employment with the bank.

1989
Expanding West
Expansion into Mandan through the purchase of First Southwest Bank.

1993
Bismarck
Expansion into Bismarck.

1995
Coming Together
The Oakes, Ellendale, Mandan and Bismarck organizations merged as First Southwest Bank.

The Heart of His Work
The Values Behind the Journey
Frank remained grounded in values that defined both his life and his approach to banking.
Honesty
Speak truthfully and act with openness in every relationship.
Integrity
Do what is right, even when no one is watching.
Respect
Treat every person with dignity, care and genuine consideration.
Servant Leadership
Lead by listening, helping others and putting people first.
Public Service
Give time and energy to the communities that depend on us.
Community
Build lasting relationships and create opportunity close to home.
1997
Craig Larson became president and CEO of the bank.

2003
A New Identity
The organization adopted the Starion Financial name and star identity.

2006
Expanding Into Wisconsin
Starion entered Wisconsin.

2008
Fargo
Starion expanded into Fargo.

2011
Growing Across North Dakota
Bottineau, Dunseith and Rolla joined Starion.

2016
Starion Bank
The organization became Starion Bank.

A Servant Leader
A Gentleman Who Believed in People
A life centered on people, relationships and community.
Those who knew Frank remember his humility, optimism, generosity and genuine interest in others. He believed that when people had a dream and needed help, a banker could help make that dream possible. He saw himself not as the center of the story, but as someone who could help others move forward.
“
He saw himself not as the center of the story, but as someone who could help others move forward.
Going the Extra Mile
A Legacy That
Lives On
Frank’s influence remains present in Starion’s culture. The Franklin G. Larson Extra Mile Award honors employees who demonstrate the same dedication and willingness to go above and beyond that Frank modeled.

His Legacy Continues
“The best way to honor Frank is to continue what he began: believe in people, serve with integrity, strengthen our communities and always be willing to go the extra mile.”
Franklin G. Larson
·
Founder, Starion Bank
In Memory Of
Frank Larson
A Life of Service.
A Legacy of Community.
Frank Larson believed a community bank should help people achieve their dreams. For more than five decades, he dedicated his life to encouraging people, supporting businesses and farmers, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
Five Decades of Service
The Journey
From one community bank in Oakes to an organization serving communities across two states, the path was always guided by people.
1969
The Beginning
Frank and JoAndrea Larson purchased First National Bank of Oakes.
1970
Growing the Vision
The Larson family acquired the Ellendale bank.
1985
Craig Larson began employment with the bank.
1989
Expanding West
Expansion into Mandan through the purchase of First Southwest Bank.
1993
Bismarck
Expansion into Bismarck.
1995
Coming Together
The Oakes, Ellendale, Mandan and Bismarck organizations merged as First Southwest Bank.






The Heart of His Work
The Values Behind the Journey
Frank remained grounded in values that defined both his life and his approach to banking.
Honesty
Speak truthfully and act with openness in every relationship.
Integrity
Do what is right, even when no one is watching.
Respect
Treat every person with dignity, care and genuine consideration.
Servant Leadership
Lead by listening, helping others and putting people first.
Public Service
Give time and energy to the communities that depend on us.
Community
Build lasting relationships and create opportunity close to home.
1997
Craig Larson became president and CEO of the bank.
2003
A New Identity
The organization adopted the Starion Financial name and star identity.
2006
Expanding Into Wisconsin
Starion entered Wisconsin.
2008
Fargo
Starion expanded into Fargo.
2011
Growing Across North Dakota
Bottineau, Dunseith and Rolla joined Starion.
2016
Starion Bank
The organization became Starion Bank.






A life centered on people, relationships and community.
A Servant Leader
A Gentleman Who Believed in People
Those who knew Frank remember his humility, optimism, generosity and genuine interest in others. He believed that when people had a dream and needed help, a banker could help make that dream possible. He saw himself not as the center of the story, but as someone who could help others move forward.
“
He saw himself not as the center of the story, but as someone who could help others move forward.
Going the Extra Mile
A Legacy That
Lives On
Frank’s influence remains present in Starion’s culture. The Franklin G. Larson Extra Mile Award honors employees who demonstrate the same dedication and willingness to go above and beyond that Frank modeled.

His Legacy Continues
“The best way to honor Frank is to continue what he began: believe in people, serve with integrity, strengthen our communities and always be willing to go the extra mile.”
Franklin G. Larson
·
Founder, Starion Bank