Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STAMPFER, Thomas M.
STAMPFER, Thomas M. (Dubuque, IA, Mar. 26, 1898--Chicago, IL, Oct. 1, 1962). Stampfer, son of Joseph Frederick STAMPFER, became president of the Stampfer Company in 1937. He began his association with the family business in 1917. The following year he became the company's secretary and treasurer. (1)
In 1925 Stampfer took over active management of the firm. Upon the death of his father in 1938, Stampfer became the sole owner of the company. He was also president of the Stampfer Building Company and the DUBUQUE THRIFT PLAN. He remained chairman of the board after the department store was sold in July 1962, to Johnson Hill's, a mercantile company from Wisconsin. (2)
Stampfer was one of the first to recognize the need for a free bridge into Dubuque and in 1939 was appointed to the City of Dubuque Bridge Commission. He was also one of the early proponents of an active Industrial Development Bureau for the Chamber of Commerce and for a nine-foot CHANNEL in the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. He was a trustee of the MOUNT PLEASANT HOME. (3) Stampfer served as a director of the MAIZEWOOD Building Corporation and FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE and secretary of the Dubuque Dock Commission. He was a past chairman of the Dubuque Retail Merchants Bureau and served many years as chairman of the Community Service Committee of the American Legion. (4)
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Source:
1. "Stampfer Dies in Chicago," Telegraph Herald, October 1, 1962, p. 1
2. Ibid.
3. Telegraph Herald Editorial. October 3, 1962, p. 14
4. "Stampfer Dies..."
