James D. Strietelmeier passed away on Feb. 3, 2025. He was 87 years old.
Strietelmeier was a banker for 38 years, starting in 1959 at Irwin Union Bank in Columbus, Indiana, which went on to become part of First Financial Bank, Cincinnati. He also spent 10 years at First Bank and Trust in Speedway before moving back to Columbus in 1974, where he became the first employee at Columbus Bank and was named president in 1976. He remained with the bank until 1987 when he purchased L&N Surgical. Strietelmeier returned to banking the following year as president and CEO of Citizens Banking Company. The bank was acquired by KeyBank, NA, Cleveland, where he retired in August 1997. In retirement, he served on the board of STAR Bank, Fort Wayne.
In the community, Strietelmeier created Popfest in 1980, served as chair of the board for Anderson Community Hospital, was on the board of Works in Columbus, actively helped small business owners as a volunteer for SCORE, and served as chair of the board for Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Group. He also served as treasurer of the local Kiwanis Club, United Way and Lake Country Club, and was a founding board member of the Lutheran Child & Family Services Foundation.
Strietelmeier earned a bachelor’s degree from Franklin College and later completed the Graduate School of Banking program at the University of Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus.
