News: Abbotsford (Sebold Dealership Sold - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Janisch, Lieders, O’Brien, Pernsteiner, Schmeiser, Sebold, Wheeler, Wheeler-Schueller

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 10/27/2017

By Kevin O’Brien

A new family name will seen be on display on the sign outside of Abbotsford’s Chevrolet dealership.

On Monday, September 18, 2017, the Wheeler family finalized the purchase of Sebold Chevrolet, which has been operating under the Sebold family name for 91 years. The building at 202 S. Fourth St. (STH 13) has been there since 1949, and this is the first time it has changed hands.

New owners, Mary Jo Wheeler-Schueller and Dan Wheeler, said the transition has been bittersweet for both parties. For owner Joe Sebold, the business has been in the family for a long time; however, he is looking forward to this new chapter in his life and enjoying retirement.

Joe said he has not been hunting of fishing in two years and is looking forward to getting back onto things he loves to do. Joe, a third generation owner; inherited the business from his father, Francis Sebold, who recently passed away in May of this year at the age of 88.

Mary Jo and Dan’s mother, Maryann (Pernsteiner) Wheeler, also passed away in March of this year after a long and successful history in the automotive industry.

“Our mother had always had a very good relationship with Joe,” Mary Jo said. “I stopped in to give our condolences, just having gone through losing a parent ourselves.

Discussions between Joe and Mary Jo eventually led to the Wheelers agreeing to buy the Abbotsford dealership from Joe.

The Wheeler family has owned dealerships for over 50 years, starting with the opening of Wheelers Chevrolet in Marshfield, in 1964. Others include Wheelers Chevrolet of Medford, Wheelers Chevrolet of Wisconsin Rapids, Wheelers Buick GMC in Wisconsin Rapids and Wheelers Auto Repair and Tire Center in Marshfield.

The siblings are excited to bring a fresh look to the dealership as well as some new inventory and an upgraded infrastructure. Mary Jo said customers will see the same friendly faces they have become accustomed to with the addition of a few new ones.

“One of the many things Joe and we had discussed numerous times was that he wanted us to take good care of his employees and his customers. We promised to do just that”

All three of the long time employees are staying, including brothers Brian and Bruce Schmeiser and Paul Lieders. Combined, they have over 90 years of experience in the automotive industry.

“They’re a really good group of guys,” she said. “Over the years, as we’ve acquired stores, the one thing that’s crucial to keep is the people.

Mary Jo said they have also been grooming a young man Tyler Janisch to be an assistant sales manager. Tyler started working for Wheelers at the Marshfield location. Mary Jo and her brother Dan Wheeler, will be managing the dealership.

A new Wheeler sign should be going up within the next week, marking the new beginning.