Our Story
Gasser Hardware was originally opened in 1902 by John Gasser, in the community of Blue River, WI. Ray Gasser, John’s younger brother, having, joined the company in 1911 when Frank left, opened a store in Boscobel in 1922, after taking time out for military service. The second generation of the family, Bob Schmidt Sr. and Virginia Gasser Schmidt took over the store’s operation in 1946
Bob Sr. and a third generation Bob Jr. and Jan Folbrecht Schmidt bought out Schwartz Ace Hardware in downtown Lancaster in 1971. Bob Jr. and Jan ran the store until 1975, when they built a new 20,000 sq. ft. store on Hwy 61N in Lancaster. They bought out Bob Sr. in 1978 and in 1979 built a new 30,000 sq. ft. store in Boscobel. The fourth generation, Rob and Dan helped continue the family tradition. Bob, Jan, and Rob opened a store in January 1997 in Hazel Green. Then two years later in October 1999, Dan joined the trio for the Galena and Maquoketa acquisitions.
Gasser Hardware and Farm Supply locations have long offered the primary source of plumbing, electrical, power tools and hardware in each town they are located. The company expanded its merchandise line in 1975 to include farm supplies – fencing, animal health, convenience feeds and farm implement repair parts. Each company locale is now also the primary source of farm and fencing supplies for their town. In the late 1970’s the company expanded into lawn and garden including live plants and shrubs.
Bob Schmidt and his sons Dan and Rob in August 1995, the decision was made to enter into the rental market. Rental offerings include skid steers, tables, chairs, heaters, fans, and post hole diggers, just to name a few. Rentals are available at every location except Hazel Green, where a grocery store (7,000 out of the 18,000 square foot available) shares space with hardware. Hazel Green store customers have the opportunity to rent items from other Gasser locations.