Bell Bank proudly honors Laurie Ochsner, senior personal banking specialist/lead teller at our Dilworth, Minn. location, as our 2025 Bell Value Award winner in the category of Paying It Forward!

When a gentleman came into the branch looking for directions to an assisted living facility, several people at the teller line began to print out directions to help. Laurie Ochsner asked the man if he was visiting someone at the facility. He replied that he was going there for care and was going to die there.

Laurie promptly put on her coat, started her car and let him know that she would lead him there, since it wasn’t the easiest place to find.

Back at the bank, Laurie explained that the man had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Once they had reached their destination, he gave Laurie a hug, thanked her and said, “You are an angel sent by God.”

Dexter Hormann, VP/branch manager in Dilworth, noted, “I am so thankful for people like Laurie who are always willing to help and go the extra mile. When I was having a busy day, I found this to be one of those great reminders that you just never know what someone is going through.”

Each year, Bell recognizes and celebrates our Bell Value Award nominees and winners whose selfless actions represent one of our 3 core values: family atmosphere, unequaled service and paying it forward.

Congratulations, Laurie – you’re our hero!