Around 1925, Henry Wiebke (grandfather of Tom Wiebke, great-grandfather of Dan and Jason), began buying red fox in a former pool hall located on Portland Ave, in Eitzen, MN.
Approximately 10 years later, in 1935, Junior Wiebke (son of Henry and Tom’s father) took over as the owner/operator of the local produce business, also located on Portland Ave in Eitzen. In addition to feed, seed and fertilizer sales he also was in the egg, poultry and wool business. To help supplement this business during the winter months, he started buying hides in the lower level of the produce building.
When Tom was 10 years old, he started working at the produce business salting the hides. In the 1950’s, he helped with the fur route which they would run twice per week in surrounding towns and communities. From there the business would continue to expand. In the mid-1970’s, Tom purchased the old creamery building across the street from the produce where they added sporting goods and office space. They operated out of both locations for a short time. In 1985, the produce side of the business was sold and the business continued at the new location.
They continued to grow in the hide and fur business and added the morel mushroom business later.
In 1987, the former Dick’s Sports Shop and Schultz Hide & Fur Co. was purchased from Dick and Esther Schultz, long time fur buyers. Located on Rose Street (La Crosse, WI) this location now operates as the 2nd location to the original business located in Eitzen. Dan, Tom’s oldest son, manages this location.
In Feb. 2005, Wiebke Fur Co. headquarters, located in the old creamery building in Eitzen burned to the ground due to an electrical fire and was completely destroyed. They rebuilt at the same location which continues to serve as their headquarters. Jason, Tom’s youngest son, works out of this office.
In December 2020, Tom passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while deer hunting.
