FDIC-Insured—Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.A Legacy of Leadership
Honoring The Retirement of Rich Bredenkamp and J. Michael Rierden
After decades of steady leadership and commitment, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank announces the retirement of two longstanding board members: Rich Bredenkamp and J. Michael Rierden. Together, they represent more than 100 years of combined experience in banking, law, and community development.
Rich Bredenkamp’s banking career spans 54 years, including 35 years with Lincoln Federal. Serving as Senior Vice President of Administration and later as a member of the Board of Directors, Rich was a trusted leader through decades of growth and change.
A graduate of Kearney State College (now the University of Nebraska at Kearney), Rich built his career on a simple belief: banking is about people.
“We come in every day and the people that we take care of give you an education every day,” he reflected.
Known for his loyalty, work ethic, and technical skill, Rich valued the relationships he built with employees and customers alike. He often credited his mentor Jerry Maddox for teaching him the fundamentals of the banking business.
His advice for the next generation is straightforward: “Stick to the knitting. The business is basic — stick to the basics and continue to provide service and support. The big picture takes care of itself.”
Michael Rierden served on Lincoln Federal’s Board for 53 years, including time as Chairman. A graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, Mike built a distinguished career as a real estate attorney specializing in contracts, deeds, title work, estate planning, and land use planning.
His experience translated naturally to one of the Bank’s unique specialties - lot sales and land development. With his great expertise in title examinations and land history, Mike provided thoughtful guidance that supported positive growth and community development.
Throughout his legal career, he worked closely with planning committees, city councils and county boards to ensure projects were well-planned and beneficial to the communities they served. He takes great pride in knowing that the decisions he played a part in helped our banking communities grow into the cities they are today.
His advice for the next generation:
“Listen. Don’t be afraid to present your views,” Mike advises. “If you don’t speak up now, you may regret it later. Work with people.”
Both Rich and Mike served during periods of significant change in banking, always remaining grounded in service, steady leadership, and long-term thinking.
As a mutual, depositor-owned institution, Lincoln Federal’s strength has always been its people. Leaders like Rich and Mike helped shape that strength for generations.
We thank them for their extraordinary service and wish them the very best in retirement.