Wessel Haack had this 50×28-foot, state-of-the-art filling and super-service station put up in the summer of 1937 for $5,000. Building began the end of May, and just two months later Haack\’s Service Station was opened for business 7 days a week on 24 July 1937. Emil Brandes had the contract, with other locals completing various jobs: Joe Dimke, cement work; H. W. Ross, electric.

The automatic pumps provided the gallons and price to the exact cent. The grease room was fitted with the latest model hoist capable of raising 40,000 pound trucks. The wash room had drains which allowed for a quick cleanse of road dust, simonized or waxed, per the customer\’s desire. The office stood behind the corner door.

Richard Claassen made the sign ornament, a replica of the famous zepplin Hindenburg.

Phillips \”66\” gasoline and oil was sold until the switch was made to Mobil gas and oil in 1938. Two more pumps were also installed which provided for dispensing of kerosene and distillate and low-price gas.

Mr. Haack retired from the business in 1941 since he was going to lose his helper, Franklin Jaspers, to the service of his country. Dick Riekena was named manager of the station which then sold Standard Oil Co. products.

In 1945 the filling station was sold and leased to Marathon Products Co. Frerichs and Kruse operated the station for the next 18 years.

Ron Jungling bought the business in 1968 and operated Jungling\’s Gulf Service for the next 10 years.

Dagan Krull then operated the station until his retirement in 1984.

Don\’s Service then occupied the building for the next couple of years.

The property was sold to Edward Olthoff in 1988. He used it as a recycling center for a number of years. It now sits unused.

CORRECTIONS: Kruse and Frerichs were distributing Marathon products in Wellsburg for stations and in Grundy and Hardin county. They leased the Wellsburg station to Carbo Heinrichs and Shortie Bausman from 1949 till 1959 and during that time Marathon pulled out of Iowa and it became Cities Service. Also Bernard and Carroll Stahl bought Kruse and Frerichs out. John Kruse moved there in 1959 and Carbo and Shortie moved north across the street to the Skelly Station. The hoist in that building would lift a 4000 pound truck not a 40,000 pound truck. Ron Jungling bought the business on the south side of the street in 1968 from John Kruse.