Duane Ring Sr. 

Scriptural references speak of giving and how it is that we measure out our portion. Duane Ring Sr. is a person who generously interprets these messages that speak of being charitable and helping one’s neighbor. 

As a successful businessperson, he used his leadership position and skills to reach out to the community in meaningful and magnanimous ways. Ring retired from then-Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo) in 1996 after having served more than 40 years in the banking business. Throughout his highly successful career, Ring demonstrated through authentic relationships and community outreach that corporate and civic actions were the “difference-maker” that could change lives. He strongly believed that there is more to business than just the bottom line—that profitable businesses should also profit the communities they served.

Known as a tireless promoter of his community, he was particularly proud of the way his employees were involved in local fundraising projects. For example, during his time as president and chairman of the board, Norwest annually sponsored a successful food drive—even displaying its massive collection of donations in the bank lobby to remind customers of the great need that existed. “We are heavily involved in the community. Every time five people get together (for community volunteer efforts), we want to be there too,” he said during his tenure at Norwest.

Ring served as a board member of the La Crosse Salvation Army, as campaign chair of the United Way, president of the La Crosse Community Theatre and the La Crosse Area 
Development Corporation (LADCO). Other organizations he has helped include the La Crosse Police and Fire Commission, the Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gundersen Lutheran Foundation. 

He and his wife Janet have two sons, Duane Jr., and David, and four grandchildren.