Donnie Bruce marks 70 years at Glenwood State Bank

July 15, 1947.

That was 18-year-old Donnie Bruce’s first day on the job at Glenwood State Bank.

“My first job here was sweeping the sidewalk,” Bruce said Friday during an open house reception marking his 70th year of employment at the bank. “Later, I moved up from sweeping to dusting and eventually began learning the banking system as time went on. Banking was certainly much simpler back then.”

His days as a sidewalk sweeper and duster didn’t last long as Bruce worked his way up the ladder at the bank, eventually becoming a cashier.

Following his graduation from Glenwood High School in 1946, Bruce  spent a few months at a business school  before taking a job in the cafeteria at the Swift and Co. meat packing plant in South Omaha. Less than a year later, he went to work for Glenwood State Bank.

Bruce admits, as a teenager, he probably never envisioned continuing his employment with the bank for seven decades.

“I never imagined being here this long, but I’ve enjoyed good health and the bank’s been good to me, so there’s really never been a reason to go work somewhere else,” Bruce said.

Bruce said he’s worked with “a lot of good people” and has enjoyed his interaction with customers over the years.

Glenwood State Bank Chairman / CEO John Dean said he’s appreciative of Bruce’s service to both the long-standing financial institution and its customers.

“He’s been a great employee. He’s been a good guy for the bank and the community,” Dean said. “We have a tendency to have employees work here for a long time. They know their job, but most importantly they want to do whatever they can to help the customers.”

Now 88 years old, Bruce has no plans to retire anytime soon. He’s been told by his bosses he can continue to work at the bank for as long as he wants to and can take off as much time as he desires.

“My wife (Diane) doesn’t want me around the house anyway,” he said with a laugh.

Fellow employees honored Bruce Friday with the reception that included special decorations and baked goods.