Our History

Founding Fathers & Family Owners
The history of American Heritage National Bank lays claim to a proud legacy and continuing tradition of family bankers who believe that more than money… people are their business:

1881-1945

  • Henry W. Schroeder began his banking career in 1906, after William E. Lee established the “Lee Bank” in Long Prairie, MN in 1881 with Bank President, George R. Christie. Under Henry’s leadership, the Bank was a foundation of the community through both World War I and World War II. During the Great Depression, Henry’s commitment to bank customers went so far as to extend his own personal assets to save homes, family farms, and local businesses.

1946-1977

  • Roland A. Schroeder, Henry’s son, joined the Bank in 1946 after returning from World War II and being awarded the Bronze Star. In 1963, the Bank switched from a state to national charter and was renamed the “First National Bank of Long Prairie”. Roland served as President and family stockholder until he passed away in 1991.

1978-2001

  • Rodger J. Johnston, Roland’s son-in-law, joined the Bank in 1978 after practicing law and establishing several other successful businesses. As CEO and Chairman of the Board, he orchestrated the strategy, design, and construction of both Log Banks in St. Cloud elevating the Bank to one of the largest family-owned-and-operated banks in Minnesota. In 1995, the Bank was renamed “American Heritage National Bank”. After years of dedicated service in St. Cloud, Leonard (Len) Wohlman became the Bank’s President in 1999.

2002-Present

  • J (Jay) Christopher Johnston, Rodger’s son, joined the Bank in 2002 after practicing law in Minneapolis. Jay represents the fourth generation as the great-grandson of H.W. Schroeder and currently serves as the Bank’s President and Legal Counsel. He continues the tradition of family banking owners and community leaders dedicated to the area and outstanding service to our customers. In 2006, American Heritage National Bank celebrated its 125th Anniversary.


Community Memorials

  • American Heritage National Bank is proud to honor the heritage of the community and its people. The “Falls of Our Fallen” Memorial on St. Cloud’s east side along highway 10 is a 2 ½ story high waterfalls constructed with 220 tons of granite that circulates up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute. The Falls Memorial was designed and developed by Rodger Johnston CEO and dedicated by American Heritage National Bank to our veterans, law enforcement officers, and fire fighters who have died for their community and country.

  • American Heritage National Bank has actively developed other memorials in the surrounding area, including the Veterans Memorial Park in Long Prairie. The Veterans Park has a 4 story high mural depicting the battle for Iwo Jima in World War II and celebrates the first flag raised over Mount Surabachi. Charles Lindberg, the last surviving first flag raiser, was present and honored at the dedication ceremony along with family members of the other flag raisers from all over the country. The site also honors all the other veterans of the United States, including the women of the armed services.


The "Log Bank"

  • American Heritage National Bank has constructed one of the largest log banks in the nation that spans over 32,000 square feet. The body of the first Log Bank was built with more than a linear mile of pines with some older than 150 years and cut at elevations above 9,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Each log was individually hand-peeled, notched, and assembled in Colorado; and then completely disassembled, the logs numbered, loaded on trucks, and transported to Minnesota to be rebuilt on St. Cloud’s west side.

  • The Log Banks are unique inside and out in architecture and culture. Opened in 1995, the first Log Bank hosts an entry-level split stone fireplace, loft areas like a mountain ski chalet, front porches with wooden swings, a 12,000 square foot grand ballroom and stage, an American history museum and artistic prints that create an atmosphere of warmth and inspiration for all our customers. The second Log Bank on St. Cloud’s east side opened in 2000 with its own unique log architecture and style including additional office space for commercial tenants and a surrounding natural landscape empowered by the “Falls of the Fallen” memorial.