History of Hartjes in LaValle, Wisconsin

Dutch Hollow Lake in Early Spring

As a local farm, home hardware and service center since the late ’60s, Hartjes has been dedicated to serving residents and visitors to the LaValle, Reedsburg, Baraboo and Wisconsin Dell’s area for more than 40 years.

It all began in 1962 when Marvin and Thelma Hartje opened their first business selling Massy-Ferguson tractors and farm equipment in the town of La Valle. By 1969 they expanded their operations and became Hartje Implement.

Over the years there was a significant increase in travel to Wisconsin. The resulting growth of tourism to the Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow communities created a new set of customer needs. This presented the Hartje family with additional opportunities to serve the Wisconsin traveler as well as the growing number of summer residents. During the 1980’s, Hartje Implement became known as the Hartje Farm and Tire Center.

Owner, Connie Hartje

Since the beginning, the Hartje business has always been a family affair, as many businesses in the La Valle and Reedsburg area are. Sadly, Marvin Hartje passed away in the spring of ’07, but his vision for the family business continues yet today.

Hartjes remains in good hands because of the integrity of the family Marvin raised and left behind. Thelma and her daughters, Connie Hartje and Barbara Buss, manage the day to day operations of what is now known as Hartje Farm, Home & Sports and the LaValle area’s first Travel Center.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your visit to La Valle, Wisconsin a memorable one.