Walter J. Moeller, Fort Dodge furnace company owner, acquired this
residence at 1324 3rd Ave. S. shortly after it was constructed in 1906.
His father, Ferdinand, an early-day carpenter and brick manufacturer
here, built the two-story house on a lot he purchased in 1889.
Late in 1906 the residence was sold to Walter J. Moeller and he and his
wife, the former Elizabeth Zuerrer, moved into the home. The two-story
house has eight rooms—living room, parlor, dining room, kitchen, bedroom
and bath on the first floor; three bedrooms on the second floor.
Walter J. Moeller was born in the Vincent area of Webster County, one of
a family of five children. His brothers and sisters were Frank C.
Moeller, a prominent banker for many years; William H. Moeller, dry
goods store owner; Mrs. Elizabeth Zuerrer and Mrs. Clara Zuerrer. He
attended schools at Vincent and in Fort Dodge when his parents moved
here. He began his business career at the Furlong & Brennan grocery and
general merchandise store on the city square.
In 1912 Moeller and Oscar Dahlien formed a partnership and established
the Dahlien & Moeller Furnace Company at 115 S. 12th St. The two
continued in business together until 1915 when the partnership was
dissolved. Moeller then began business as the Moeller Furnace Company in
a new three-story brick building at 114 S. 12th St.—the present location
of the firm. The first floor and basement of the building are devoted to
the firm’s furnace, air conditioning and sheet metal operations. The
upper floors of the building have apartments.
Moeller was joined in the operation of the business by two of his
sons—Walter E. (Bud) Moeller in 1927 and Willis H. Moeller in 1945. A
third son Art F. Moeller was with the firm for a brief time but then
began a business career. In 1957 Art and Henry R. (Bud) Trost
established the Trost-Moeller Insurance Service, Inc. which they now
operate.
[Illustration: The Moeller home
1324 3rd Avenue South]
Walter J. Moeller retired from the furnace company in 1946 and the
business has since been operated by the sons Bud and Willis. The elder
Mr. Moeller died in 1966 at age 86. Mrs. Moeller died in 1958. The Third
Avenue South home is now owned by the three Moeller sons and currently
is rented out.