Four generations of hardware ownership ended in Platteville in December, replaced by another four-generation hardware-store owner.

Heiser’s Ace Hardware in downtown Platteville was sold to Hermsen’s Ace Hardware of Bloomington Dec. 18.

Tom Heiser and his mother purchased the store from his father in 1972. The store originally was at 135 E. Main St. before moving to the northwest corner of East Main Street and North Water Street.

“We just see this as an opportunity,” said Jessica Hermsen, co-owner of Hermsen’s store number two with husband David, noting the two stores’ “similar philosophies” including “support[ing] the community.

“It was going to take the right place. We didn’t want to expand a long ways away. We live in Lancaster so we’re in between both stores.”

Heiser’s was started by Tom Heiser’s two great-uncles in 1890.

Paint was Heiser’s number one product. But over the 51 years Tom Heiser owned the hardware store, his wife Karen said he “never threw anything away because someone would come in and want it. We were the last resort.”

All 14 employees of the Platteville store are being retained. The Bloomington store, which has plumbing and heating, flooring and appliances, has 25 employees.

The Hermsens plan to change the store’s Point of Sale system, which customers are unlikely to notice. They also plan to update inventory, shelving and storage this spring.

“We’re excited for the opportunity and we thank Tom and Karen for that,” said Jessica Hermsen. “We wish them well,” said Karen Heiser.

Tom Heiser, meanwhile, said he plans to take “a vacation or two.”