Paul Ormbreck lived his whole life in Ulen, Minn., and spent his career at Northwestern State Bank. He followed Ulen-Hitterdal High School sporting events and participated in several civic activities. To put it simply, Paul loved his community.

Paul grew up in Ulen with his parents and three brothers, Neal, Clayton and Harlan. He earned a certificate in business in 1949 from Grand Forks Commercial College before returning to Ulen to work as a banker. He held many positions within the bank and retired in 1992 managing the bank’s insurance department. 

He had a spirit of giving, and on more than one occasion he would help community members in need.

“Paul was really a good person. If someone didn’t have the collateral to get a loan through the bank, and if he felt their need, he would personally lend them the money. Sometimes they’d pay it back, but sometimes they didn’t, and that was okay with Paul,” said Sharon Ormbreck, Paul’s sister-in-law. 
Paul believed in his community and was an active member of the Volunteer Fire Department, the Ulen Clinic Board of Directors, the Civic and Commerce Association and the Lions. He cared about his town and the farming community surrounding Ulen. 

“When I’d visit, we’d always take a ride out in the community around the farms. He’d tell me an update on who was on that farm and what their primary crops were. He loved not only the town but the whole farming community,” said Harlan, Paul’s youngest brother. 

On April 28, 2013, Paul died. Harlan and Sharon wanted to leave a legacy for Paul in the town he held dear to his heart. 

“Ulen meant so much to him. We wanted a way to keep his name part of the community,” Sharon said. 

The Ormbrecks decided to create the Paul Ormbreck Memorial Scholarship Fund through the FM Area Foundation. The fund now awards a $1,000 scholarship each year to a graduate of Ulen-Hitterdal Public School who has been involved in the community and is pursuing a two or four-year degree in agriculture or a business-related field. 

The Paul Ormbreck Memorial Scholarship serves as a reminder of Paul’s devotion to his hometown and the people of Ulen.