Gene and Gretchen Beito express gratitude by giving back through their contribution made to establish their endowment.
The endowment is a particularly fitting tribute to the extraordinary careers and commitment of Gene and Gretchen to the Thief River Falls community. The appreciation of the education their three children received and the excellence in education their grandchildren are now receiving at School District #564.
Gene joined Northern State Bank in 1960 and was elected vice-president and director. In 1965 he was elected to president and chairman of the board of directors to succeed his father. When Gene retired in 1994, David Beito, son of Gene and Gretchen, then was named president of the bank. The father and son duo continue to fully support the bank’s commitment to the community. "Having faith and courage to believe in the people you live with has been important to the success of Northern State Bank," states Gene and exemplifies the 48 years of Gene’s devotion.
Gretchen, to one for whom education is of central importance, was an elementary teacher and is a published author. She has received numerous awards for her community involvement. She served on the Thief River Falls Education Foundation Board. Gretchen started up both Discovery Place Child Care and the Art Adventure program in Challenger Elementary School where she continues to volunteer.
Created as an endowment, the Beitos’ gift will touch and inspire new generations of students. The funds will be administrated by the Thief River Falls Education Foundation.