Koltes Lumber

Koltes Lumber was founded in 1881, by Michael Koltes, in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Michael's son, Joe, joined the business in 1883 when it became known as Michael Koltes and Son. Joe's sons Harry and Gar joined the business in 1907 and 1920 respectively. The two younger Kolteses managed the business until 1940 when they bought it from their father. Harr... y and Gar opened branches of the Koltes Lumber Company in Sun Prairie, Mazomanie, Belleville, south Madison, Stoughton, and Lodi during the late 1930s and early 1940s. These stores, with the exception of the Lodi location, were phased out and sold in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1958 Harry's son, Joe, joined his father and uncle Gar in the business. He became president of the Koltes Lumber Company in 1967.Read More