FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
We will be CLOSED on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of the President’s Day Holiday.
During this time you are welcome to access our ATMs, also online & mobile banking 24/7. Thank you!
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
First Federal of Van Wert was first organized on January 9th, 1893 as the Fraternal Building, Loan and Savings Company. The bank was initially located in downtown Van Wert at the J.H. Kaulke’s Hardware store at 118 W. Main St. It was in 1936 when the bank changed its name to First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Van Wert.
A relocation to 111 E. Main allowed for more space. After many years of being located next to the courthouse, a remodel was performed, placing the name large on the front of the building, 1st Federal Savings.
1st Federal of Van Wert broke ground at 679 Fox Road, built a new location and moved in September of 1997. This building received an interior remodel as well as new and improved drive thru equipment in 2017.
First Federal of Van Wert, OH celebrated its 125th Anniversary during 2018!
“We are very proud of our history of being a strong community bank. We emphasize customer service and community involvement and it’s because of those attributes that we’ve been a successful organization for these 125 years,” says Brian Renner, President/CEO at First Federal. “We take great pride in our community involvement and we understand for this company to be successful, we need Van Wert to be successful.”
On March 30th, 2021 community members gathered at First Federal of Van Wert to celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony for a construction project that added several new offices and a larger meeting room while also renovating the existing building. The renovation included modernizing the bank’s lobby, existing offices, and teller area. By early 2022, this completed the building expansion.
“We are excited for what this growth means for our employees, our customers, and our community. This project is a collaboration of growth and looking toward the future,” said Brian Renner. “The growth we’ve experienced is a result of the success of the Van Wert community and the confidence our customers have in First Federal.”
“We listened to our customers, we reviewed our goals, and we reviewed the efficiencies of our business. It was clear that we needed to make some improvements to the facility to make banking better for our customers and the Van Wert community. With this plan in place, we are improving the banking experience for our customers for years to come,” Renner explained.
In 2025, First Federal of Van Wert went through some major updates! A new logo design, banking system, modern banking technology upgrades, website and mobile app, and also added a second branch location, 820 N. Washington St, and it was opened in August of 2025.
First Federal of Van Wert is locally owned and operated.
The bank has 7 local board of directors and 32 local employees. First Federal serves customers from all over Van Wert county and surrounding communities.
“We want every customer interaction to have a better banking experience at First Federal. With a knowledgeable, friendly staff, we strive to make that happen with every customer.”
– Brian Renner, President/C.E.O.
January 9, 1893 – “The Fraternal Building,
Loan and Savings Company” was organized.
118 W. Main St., original location
In 1936, we changed our name to
“First Federal Savings & Loan Association”.
111 E. Main Street location
111 E. Main Street location, after modern remodel
679 Fox Rd. location
820 N. Washington, second location
Top Row: Patrick J. Jackson, Chairperson; Brian R. Renner; Mark A. White; Todd R. Kriegel;
Bottom Row: J. Andrew Czajkowski; Randy D. Myers; Thomas I. Burenga
