Barb Toellner ends a long career with North Shore Bank tomorrow.

When Barb Toellner retires tomorrow, it won’t be long until she heads to the Saw Mill.

But not to work. It’s a popular gathering spot for local retirees on Door County’s picturesque, popular Glidden Drive. “Lots of famous people live on Glidden Drive, including author Tom Roy. I’m looking forward to reading some of his books,” she says.

As the name implies, you might find folks at the Saw Mill sharing information about woodworking. Barb reveals that the Saw Mill also is known for making wine. She’s open to learning more about both!

Barb’s husband, Bob, retired a year ago. “He’s having too much fun without me. It’s time for me to join him.”

Banking and North Shore were right life choices
Barb is leaving relationships that have lasted 27 years and staff members she considers family. She has divided her time between Sturgeon Bay’s East and West branches during her North Shore career, mastering countless skills along the way. From computer skills to equipment repair, Barb became a go-to person as she worked her way up from part-time CSR to certified CSR, then personal banker, CSR supervisor, assistant manager, and finally branch operations service manager.

She has fond memories of mentors Becky Kolstad, branch manager of both Sturgeon Bay offices, and of retiree Mary Leist. In fact, Barb points out that Becky has been on board for welcoming and training her as well as for preparing the branches for her retirement.

“Banking was the right niche for me,” Barb says, “and North Shore Bank has offered plenty of opportunities. I’ve participated in lots of in-house training and have taken advantage of many informational meetings that helped me learn and grow.”

New staff members are entering a vastly different banking atmosphere than was the case when Barb began her career. “Customers used to guide the relationship; we provided what they requested. Now we take the first step in getting to know them so we can learn about their needs and help them understand the array of services and products available. Banks now have so much more to offer beyond checking and savings accounts, which wasn’t the case when I started.”

Leisurely mornings, road trips, family on retirement agenda
There will be no alarm clocks in Barb’s future to get her moving at 5:30 a.m. “I plan to sleep late,” she declares.

She and Bob love getting into their car and just driving. “We plan to relax and spend time together while we have our health.” They are parents to two grown daughters and six granddaughters, including a set of twins. “They live in Green Bay and Menomonee Falls, and they’re always wanting us to come and visit,” she says.

Although she is known for her interior design skills, Barb admits that she has no major projects on tap. “Maybe a little painting and freshening, but my new focus will be relaxing and enjoying life with my husband.”

Colleagues say au revoir
“Barb is a great employee and is great at what she does,” says longtime colleague Becky Kolstad. “The customer always comes first, and she treats each one the way she would want them to treat her. If there is a problem, she will quickly get it resolved.

“She also has great technical skills. Many times the branch has turned to her for expertise and support with equipment issues. We joke that she should have worked for the IT Department!

“Barb is very loyal to her employees, customers, and North Shore Bank.”

PB Janice Smits adds, “I have worked with Barb 26 of her 27 years here, and I have always enjoyed being around her. She has taught me a lot. I admire how dedicated she has been to her job. I sincerely wish her all the best in her retirement.”

“Barb has been our boss, supervisor, mentor and coworker over the years,” says Teller Linda Wheaton, “but she will be mostly missed as our friend. We look forward to seeing her on the other side of the counter. Thank you, Barb, for your hard work and friendship over the years.”

Becky, Janice, and Linda agree: Barb Toellner has been a stellar staff member and friend, and she will be greatly missed by her team and customers.