EXHIBIT 16.1

CliftonLarsonAllen LLPCLAconnect.com

December 6, 2022

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

We have read the statements made by Alerus Financial Corporation pursuant to Item 4.01(a) of the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2022, which we understand will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We agree with the statements concerning our firm in such Form 8-K.

/s/ CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

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