Caledonia Argus

Wagner Insurance sold to Eitzen State Bank

Posted: 1/22/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor Ý

After more than 67 years in business, to finally retire might not be an easy thing to do for Earl Wagner of Wagner Insurance Agency.

ìAfter youíve been in business this long, itís hard. But when youíre as old as I am, you really have to,î explained Earl.

Wagner Insurance Agency was recently sold to Eitzen State Bank. Jack Hauser of Caledonia will be managing the agency.

Wagner Insurance Agency has been a part of Caledoniaís business community since Earlís father, J.P., started the business in 1918. At first, insurance was just a sideline for J.P., who operated a pool hall and lunch counter in what is now Helenís Beauty Salon. Eventually, he sold the pool hall and went into insurance full-time.

Earl joined him on July 1, 1934, just a month after he turned 17. For most of its years, the business has been in the same location on Main Street, although the building has changed. Originally, it was a jewelry store which Earlís father rented for $10 a month from the pharmacists Abbott and Hellickson. The Wagners eventually bought the building and in 1960, built the building that theÝbusiness now operates from.

Earl has always been fond of saying that no insurance company ever made the agency a dimeóitís the clients who have helped Wagner Insurance stay in business for 83 years.

Like his father before him, Earl has always had the clientís best interest in mind, and they know that the business they do doesnít get discussed outside the office.ÝItís a way Wagner Insurance has built trust throughout its history.

The agency will retain the name of Wagner Insurance to build on the excellent reputation Earl has maintained over the years, said Hauser. ìThey have a great reputation in the town,î he said. ìEarl treated people right.ÝIíve never heard anything bad about Earl or Wagner Insurance Company.î He said the agency will continue to earn the trust of its clients and maintain good will with its competitors.

Hauser has been a business owner inÝCaledonia and most recently worked in sales for KQYB. He said he was looking for a new challenge and decided to pursue a new challenge. ìThere's a lot to learn with insurance,î said Hauser. He is licensed for property, casualty, auto, health and life.

Wagner Insurance will continue to operate as an independent agency, offering a full range of coverage and will begin offering health insurance to its clients. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 8-5 and on Saturdays from 8-11.

Pat Schoh, a licensed agent who has been with the firm for 31 years, will remain at the office.

Earl and his wife, Evelyn, recently left Caledonia for their home in Florida. He will maintain an office at the agency when he is in town.

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