Burchard Branch
Connect with Burchard
Main Lobby Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Sat. Closed
Our History
FirstBank of Nebraska is comprised of four banks spanning the Southeast Nebraska communities of Wahoo, Syracuse, Sterling and Burchard. While each branch possesses it’s own unique history, the Sterling, Burchard and Syracuse branch locations were each acquired by what is formerly known as the First National Bank of Wahoo. In 1992, the State Bank of Burchard and Bank of Sterling were merged into one charter under the First National Bank of Wahoo—while the First National Bank and Trust of Syracuse was purchased in 2010, nearly doubling the overall bank in asset size.
Although the organization has always embraced its origins, we also recognize that growth and additional locations expand and diversify our customer base. Therefore, in 2013, the decision was made to officially change the charter name from First National Bank of Wahoo to FirstBank of Nebraska—better reflecting the many communities we serve.
The Wahoo branch has remained in the same location since its inception in 1882, and the Burchard location also preserves and utilizes their historic building. The Sterling and Syracuse facilities have both had the opportunity to establish new facilities. Our staff takes pride in the bank’s progress, longevity, and dedication, as it continues to look ahead and provide a full range of banking services to the communities we serve.
The pioneer of the banking industry in Burchard was the Honorable W.J. Halderman. In 1884, the town incorporated with a population of 240 residents and one year later (1885), Halderman—as a stockholder and part proprietor—erected the Bank of Burchard. Upon the bank’s opening Halderman served as cashier. To this day the bank has remained the only business in Burchard to continue operating without ceasing, even surviving the Easter tornado of 1913.
In 1928 The Bank of Burchard applied for a charter to become the State Bank of Burchard. As evidenced by the Articles of Incorporation, May 14th was the first day of business under the new name with capital stock of $25,000. The cashier was A.B.(Bert) Kammerer, earning a salary of $140 a month plus half of all commissions until his resignation in May of 1937. Replacing Kammerer was F. H. Obermann until his death in 1946, when his wife, Viola Obermann held the position. Viola (Obermann) Rinne remained cashier until 1956 when she became Executive Vice President and then later President in June 1961 until her retirement in 1973.
The J.V. Johnson family owned State Bank of Burchard until 1986 when William March assumed controlling interest and was elected Chairman of the Board in 1993.
On July 31, 1992 the State Bank of Burchard was acquired by the First National Bank of Wahoo along with the Bank of Sterling and began operating under the name of First National Bank of Wahoo.
In December of 2013 First National Bank of Wahoo converted from a National to a State Charter. Additionally, the bank has experienced a multitude of growth and now serves the four Southeastern Nebraska communities of Wahoo, Syracuse, Sterling and Burchard. As a result of this continued growth, in 2013, the bank changed its name from First National Bank of Wahoo to FirstBank of Nebraska—better reflecting the many communities it serves.