A self-proclaimed “hugger,” Carol Lucius — the longest-tenured employee at Sherburne State Bank in Becker — welcomed this reporter with open arms, literally, when we sat down to reflect on her remarkable 42-year career ahead of her well-earned retirement.

Her warmth, easy laughter, and love of numbers quickly made her a good fit when she joined the bank. Hired for a part-time role, Lucius was offered full-time work after just three days.

“At first, it was just something different to try,” said Lucius. 

Certainly a departure from the potato farm and turkey hatchery jobs she worked while growing up in Clear Lake. Now in her 42nd year, Lucius has worn many hats with the bank: teller, loan processor, insurance agent— “It seems like I’ve always answered phones,” she adds with a chuckle.

But as times changed, Lucius had to adapt and evolve, too. 

“Everything was paper. Everything was by hand. No computer. Nothing like that,” she recalled. “Though, we did have a copy machine,” she added with a chuckle. “Otherwise, it was typewriters and calculators.”

But rather than resisting the tides of change, Lucius embraced them. As new systems and technologies emerged, she kept pace, often helping others adjust, too. 

“It was a good thing,” she said. “To be able to go from typewriter to computer.” 

Now, of the newer systems and processes, Lucius says she enjoys “almost everything.”

But it wasn’t just the technology that changed. Clients and coworkers have changed over the years, too. 

“I wasn’t sure how it’d work with my age and the younger people,” she admitted. “But it worked out perfect.”

Throughout it all, Lucius found joy in the simple routines — like her daily walk to get the mail. 

“It was my favorite because of all the people you saw,” she said. “And it’s ‘Good morning,’ and you visit, and ‘How’s so-and-so?’ and all that,” she chuckles. 

This passion for community and connection—and exercise—continued through the wintertime, too. An icy slip just outside the post office doors one winter left her with a broken wrist.

But, just as with the changing technologies and changing world, Lucius adapted, strapping cleats onto her boots and pressing on. 

It’s clear Lucius is all about people. 

“Number one, I’m going to miss my coworkers. And our customers — the best. They’re the best,” she said, her face lighting up a tinge.

Though it’s not easy to say goodbye to relationships built over four decades, Lucius is looking forward to more time with her family—especially her son and granddaughters in Florida—and to tackling long-postponed home projects. 

“I can’t imagine what that’s going to be like,” she said with a laugh.

Lucius’ last day at Sherburne State Bank is Tuesday, September 30, and the bank is hosting an open house from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate her many contributions to this community. There will be cookies and cupcakes provided and “just good times,” Lucius adds.

The event promises to be a hug-friendly affair, as Lucius reminds me, “A hug can make your day.”