Kuempel Hardware announces sale of business to Meuser Lumber Co.
By Shelia Tomkins
Two historic Guttenberg businesses last week announced a change in ownership. Effective March 1, Meuser Lumber Co. will take over operation of Kuempel Hardware in downtown Guttenberg.
The Kuempel Hardware business name will remain the same.
Tom Kuempel announced the sale after 55 years of personally serving the community in the historic limestone building on River Park Drive. The business has been family-owned for 118 years.
Meuser Lumber Co. has a similar history of family ownership, marking its 111th year in business in 2018.
"We plan no major changes in the business," said John Finch, manager of Meuser Lumber Co. "We will continue to offer the same types of products."
Finch also noted that the same helpful staff — Brenda Schaub, Kari Klaes and Rod Schroeder — will continue to serve customers.
Tom Kuempel expressed appreciation to his employees, customers and local merchants for the relationships formed during his many years in business (see ad on page 4).
Watch an upcoming issue of The Press for a feature story on the history of the two businesses and their role in the community.