Winona’s Bob Kierlin, Fastenal founder, philanthropist, passes away

Winona native and Fastenal Company founder, Bob Kierlin, has died. He was 85.

Kierlin, a former businessman and legislator, helped build Fastenal into a Fortune 500 company. He founded it in 1967. It went public in 1987 and cracked the S&P 500 in 2008.

Various reports estimate Kierlin’s net worth between $1-2 billion.

Kierlin was also known for his philanthropic efforts with his creation and support of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Masterpiece Hall slated to open later this spring.

The International Owl Center in Houston, Minn., posted that Kierlin “made a significant donation to help us open in our current storefront and a few weeks ago just made another significant donation toward our new facility,” and added, “For years he has helped put the “international” in the International Festival of Owls by covering travel costs for World Owl Hall of Fame award winners to attend the Festival (including this year).”

Cotter Schools in Winona also recognized Kierlin, who graduated there, saying “He played a pivotal role in shaping the Cotter community, believing deeply in the potential of students and educators. His commitment to the One Campus Vision transformed the St. Teresa campus, creating new opportunities for generations to come.”

A statement from Fastenal read, in part, “Words cannot convey the impact “BK” has had. He touched countless lives. He was a founder and a father. He was a leader and a husband. He was a mentor and a friend. Thank you, BK. We are forever grateful.“

Kierlin also represented southeastern Minnesota with two terms in the state Senate from 1998-2006.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday.