Val J. Fetzner Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1137-1138 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				VAL J. FETZNER.  

	Val J. Fetzner is cashier of the Tripp County State Bank at 
Colome, in which connection he is bending his energies to the 
upbuilding of an enterprise that is proving of great worth and benefit 
to the citizens of the district. He has made it his purpose to 
thoroughly acquaint himself with every phase of the banking business 
and in his present connection he has been active in maintaining a 
policy that most carefully safeguards the interests of depositors. In 
all that he does he is actuated by the spirit of western enterprise, 
for he is a native son of the west, his birth having occurred in 
Brownsville, Minnesota, June 12, 1875 his parents being Valentine and 
Elizabeth Fetzner. The father is now living retired, enjoying a well 
earned rest after long connection with business.  

	Val J. Fetzner is indebted to the public-school system of 
Brownsville for his early educational privileges. After completing the 
work of the grades he attended the high school at La Crosse, Wisconsin, 
and later pursued a course in a business college. After completing his 
education he became connected with Synder Brothers, merchants of Salem, 
South Dakota, and remained with them two years. He then started out on 
his own account and for nine years was engaged in merchandising at 
Platte, South Dakota, after which he removed to Colome and aided in the 
organization of the Tripp County State Bank in 1909, assuming the 
position of cashier, in which office he has done much to build up the 
business of the bank. He is always a courteous and obliging official, 
helpful to the bank's patrons as far as is consistent with the safety 
of the bank and at all times working to establish and further maintain 
the substantial character of the institution. He is likewise largely 
interested in real estate and in live stock.  

	On the 20th of June, 1899, Mr. Fetzner was united in marriage to 
Miss Susie G. Graf, a daughter of George Graf, of Brownsville, 
Minnesota. To them have been born six children, namely: Vivian, Agnes, 
George, Harold, Frances and Paul. Mrs. Fetzner is a member of the 
Catholic church. Mr. Fetzner has no church relations but belongs to the 
Woodmen and to the Elks lodges. His political endorsement is given the 
republican party. He makes fishing and motoring his recreation and he 
recognizes and advocates the value of good roads both as an asset for 
pleasure and for business. He is also active in efforts to secure 
better railroad connections with the eastern part of the state and 
cooperates in every measure that tends to the material benefit of the 
community.