Encyclopedia Dubuque

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From Encyclopedia Dubuque

HEER, Fridolin. (Wallenstadt, Switzerland, July 30, 1834-Dubuque, IA, Sept. 19, 1910). Architect. Heer established himself as a steinmetzmeister (master stone cutter) in Switzerland in 1860, but financial reversals forced him to leave his country and come to the United States in 1865. After staying a short time in Belleville, Illinois, he moved with his wife to Chicago and then to Dubuque in 1868.

Heer worked first as a stone cutter and then made architecture his career. He is remembered as the architect of such Dubuque buildings as the Levi store, Globe Building, Town Clock Building, and St. Francis Convent and Orphans' Home. He also designed the homes of William L. BRADLEY, Sr., David B. HENDERSON, James Levi, and Andrew Tredway.

In his later years Heer worked in association with his son in the firm named Fridolin Heer and Son. This firm designed the DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE and directed the construction of the DUBUQUE BREWING AND MALTING COMPANY along with the homes of many prosperous Dubuque residents.

Heer was the founder of the Swiss Helvetia Maennerchor and was president of the group at the time of his death. He was also a member of the DUBUQUE SHOOTING SOCIETY, OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, Veteran Firemen, and the DUBUQUE SAENGERBUND.