Otto Bremer’s unwavering commitment to independent rural banks and to the surrounding communities has shaped and directed the Foundation since its inception in 1944.

Otto Bremer came to Minnesota as a German immigrant in 1886 and started a career in the St Paul banking industry. Over the next thirty-five years, he worked his way from bookkeeper to chairman of the American National Bank, while also being actively engaged in a range of civic, financial and corporate affairs. An energetic man with varied interests, Otto Bremer partnered with his brother Adolph in the ownership and management of the Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company. He also served for more than a decade as Treasurer of the City of St. Paul. Years later, he was an advisor to presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt and was subsequently appointed by Roosevelt to manage the Federal Home Owner’s Loan Corporation of Minnesota.

The complete history of Otto Bremer, His Life and Legacy, has been published in booklet form as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Foundation he established in May, 1944. To request a hard copy of the booklet or to download a PDF file, please click here.