CONTINUING THE DELAP NAME

Reuben DeLap had been a fuel oil delivery driver for City Service when he decided to strike out on his own and started R.W. DeLap Co. in 1937. He delivered gasoline and fuel oil.

After World War II, Reuben sold the business to his sons, Carl and Bernard, who was known by “Bunny,” in 1946. The business was located along Center Street, where Nelson Agri-Center is. In 1954, DeLap’s moved to its current location on North Main Street. They built a gas station, sold Firestone and Bridgestone tires and in 1955 became Vernon County’s first bulk propane dealer.

Jim, who began working at the business when he was 7 years old, helping change tires and pump gas, bought the business in 1979. The gas station, located along North Main Street, added the Quik Stop when convenience stores came into fashion. That store was spun off to other private owners.

In about 2002, Jim closed DeLap’s bulk fuel depot and began focusing on the business’s core services — residential propane sales, automotive repair and tire sales. In October 2015, Jim sold the DeLap Oil and Gas portion of the business to Midwest Fuels of La Crosse.

Not only is DeLap Tire and Auto a longstanding business in the city, but also the country.

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*Angela Cina Vernon County Broadcaster May 10, 2017*

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Moving forward in 2020, Jim and Jason sold the business to John Mossholder, who decided to keep the Delap name and carry on with the same principals and dedication to the customers that the Delaps performed for decades.