Mary Schlein Retires after 46 Years of Service to FreedomBank

FreedomBank is pleased to announce the retirement of Mary Schlein, who has served the company with unwavering dedication and loyalty for an impressive 46 years in Monona, Iowa. As an employee-owner and valued team member, Mary has contributed significantly to the growth and success of our organization.

“We are grateful to Mary for her 46 years of loyalty and dedication to FreedomBank. Her strong work ethic, caring personality, and team spirit will be missed. We congratulate Mary on a remarkable career and wish her all the best in retirement,” shared Jim Moritz, FreedomBank’s Market President in Monona.

Mary took a moment to reflect on her almost fifty-year career as a community banker and volunteer. "I started at Union State Bank in September of 1976 during my high school year filing checks and doing clerical and bookkeeping work after school," shared Mary. "In May of 1977, I started my full-time career at Union State Bank under the leadership of LeRoy and Colleen Darby."

Mary has seen how technological advancements have transformed banking. "Before, checks were manually posted, but now it's all computerized," she said.

While building her banking career, Mary also took on the roles of wife, mother, and grandmother. "In October of 1978, I tied the knot with my high school sweetheart, Daryl Schlein. We have been blessed with three wonderful children and their respective partners: Timothy and Bridget Schlein, Laurie and Jonathan Oddo, and Emily and Zachary Henkes. Our family has expanded with the arrival of four lovely granddaughters, Brenna and Norah Schlein, Sophie and Chloe Oddo, as well as two furry granddogs, Finley and Coco. They are the treasures of my life," Mary revealed.

Mary made a positive impact on her community through her volunteer work. She served as the secretary and treasurer for Monona Preschool and MFL MarMac Dollars for Scholars for several years. Mary expressed gratitude for the relationships she developed through the years. "I have been blessed to work with wonderful people on both sides of the counter at FreedomBank."

Mary has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Her future plans include enjoying retirement by spending time with her family, traveling, managing their VRBO called The Cottage on Main, and assisting with Emily and Zach's Driftless Cattle Company, along with any other opportunities that may come her way.

FreedomBank’s Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and team members congratulate Mary on achieving this career milestone and thank her for her invaluable contributions to FreedomBank.