MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE
Page 12B - Saturday, August 4, 2012
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Morris, Minnesota 56267
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usines Showcase
~ Fe a t u r i n g a d i f f e r e n t b u s i n e s s eve r y we e k ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Since 1883, monument business has stayed in the family
Fergus Falls Monument Company co-owner Bob Welle, in front of Morris Monument, the company’s retail outlet in Morris. Fergus Falls Monument Company (below) has been owned by the Welle family since 1883. The Fergus Falls Monument Company has been owned and operated by the Welle family of Fergus Falls since 1883. Brothers Bob and Tom Welle took over operation of the monument business in 1970 after their father, Ralph, passed away, even though neither one had management experience. However, both Bob and Tom had worked with Ralph in the business – Tom in sales and Bob back in the shop. After 24 years, Bob's sons Ryan and Mike are preparing to oversee the business and continue the tradition of family ownership in a third generation. “We're very proud of the old and established firm,” said Bob. “The test of time proves quality.” In addition to pride in their tradition of family ownership, Fergus Falls Monument Company also sets itself apart as a manufacturer and direct seller for all of their monuments. Controlling all aspects of the monument production process, from sourcing granite from quarries around the world to installing memorials at local cemeteries, helps Fergus Falls Monument Company offer affordable prices and strong customer service. Monuments purchased through a third party like a funeral home can be more expensive because of additional middlemen in the process. When choosing a memorial, there are four major decisions to consider: color, shape, size and polish. Fergus Fall Monument Company sources different types of granite from around the world. The color of granite is dependent on the area it’s quarried from, based on the vegetation of the region when the granite was formed. Red granite is shipped to the area from Wisconsin, while popular black granite is only formed in countries overseas. There are many options for “local” granite, including a dark gray with black spots, but some do not work well for lettered memorials, said Bob. When the color is chosen, Bob and his staff will make recommendations on lettering and style. After the specifications are made, the company will draw up the design for approval, then pass it along to their manufacturing plant in Fergus Falls. The company also installs the finished monuments at the cemetery. To make sure monuments stand the rest of time, the monuments are protected by warranty forever. “That means a lot too – having something that is warranted forever and for all time from a company that has been here since 1883,” said Bob. Although ownership has stayed the same, staff of Fergus Falls Monument Company have seen many changes in the monument business. One more recent trend is for people to purchase their monuments in advance to help ease the burden for their loved ones after they pass away, said Bob. “It makes so much sense because you don't leave it up to your children, who may have a difficult time figuring out what you would want to have or spend” said Bob. “Back in the '50s, people felt like they didn't want to see their name on a stone ahead of time,” he continued. “Nowadays, people are proud of the workmanship and they're not so shy about purchasing their monument. Most people now are farsighted enough to think that way and prearrange their wills and monuments and funerals so that their kids don't have to go through a real hassle when something does happen.” Fergus Falls Monument Company's Morris outlet store, Morris Monument, was opened in 2008 to provide a more convenient space for local customers. Morris Monument is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers interested in making an appointment can call 1-800-664-2549 or (218) 731-4007. Bob is also available to make house calls in the area by appointment.
888-404-SOFT (7638)
If you are interested in participating in our next showcase, please call Linda Cook or Cheryl Busch at 320-589-2525.