Geffert Hardware

Al Koch
January 2025

An iconic hometown business was founded, owned, and operated over six decades by the Geffert family, John Geffert, oldest of the seven Geffert Children, along with Joseph, the second oldest brother, established Geffert Hardware in 1949. 

All five sons of the Geffert family served in the U.S. Army. Four of the five Geffert men served during World War II.  Richard Geffert served in both the European and Pacific Theaters.  Raymond, the youngest Geffert son, upon graduating from Clark High School in 1948, worked at Standard Oil Company until he was drafted into the Army in 1950.  Ray served at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and then overseas in Germany.

After their military service they worked at Whiting Indiana’s Standard Oil refinery.   When the opportunity to own their own business came to fruition, Joe Geffert opened Geffert Hardware.  Initially, Geffert Hardware was in the Argus Building at 119th Street and Calumet Avenue in Robertsdale. Joe was assisted by his brother, Donald, while both men worked at Standard Oil Company’s refinery.  After several years of double duty, Don decided to focus on his job at Standard Oil leaving Joe to run the business.

Over the years, the Geffert sister, Dolores, worked in the family business. When Donald returned home from World War II, he decided, in lieu of the family business, to work for Sears Roebuck and Company.

During these post-war years, John Geffert, who also worked at Standard Oil, began working part-time at the hardware store with his brother, Joe.  When John retired from Standard Oil (SOCO), later, AMOCO, he began his full-time involvement as co-owner of Geffert’s Hardware, fulfilling the main leadership role in the operation and management of the business. It was John’s decision to purchase property on Calumet Avenue, construct a new building and expand the business.

A few years later, co-founder, Joseph Geffert left the family business and went to work at a hardware store in Lansing, Illinois. A short time later, Joe went to work at the Ford Motor Company.

In 1955, Joe’s sister, Dolores Geffert, became part of the family business beginning the first of two terms working in the hardware store: from 1955 through 1960 (at eighteen, she managed the business); and, later, after returning to Whiting from Colorado: 1991 through 2001.                                                                                                             

In 1965, a new store was built on the east side of Calumet Avenue, north of 119th Street in Robertsdale. This property was previously home to “Bob White’s Used Cars,” and “Howard’s Carpet Installers.”  The location at 1843 Calumet Avenue became the permanent home of Geffert Hardware.  John Geffert created the marketing slogan for the family business: “Pleasant shopping with friendly people.”    Truly a family affair, John’s wife, Elinor, served as bookkeeper until her passing, June 26, 2002.

In 1960, Ray Geffert, following a reduction in force at Standard Oil and, after a brief tour of duty with Bader Lumber Company in Gary, Indiana, came to work full-time at the family business.   Several years later, John’s son, Greg, began his tenure at Geffert Hardware: another generation of family service to the community.    With the passing of John Geffert in March of 2009, Ray took on essential operation and management responsibilities.  Ray’s dedication sustained and further enhanced the success of Geffert Hardware.

Over the years, Ray witnessed many changes affecting the hardware business.   What initially was a male dominated retail store of tools, fasteners, and home hardware, evolved to include housewares and items the lady of the house needed to upgrade the quality and efficiency of her home.  The addition of product diversity attracting both genders enabled Geffert Hardware to remain competitive and meet customer needs.  Specialty services included sash restoration, glass replacement, storm window and screen repair, emergency assistance during holiday and off-store hours, coupled with cordial, courteous assistance by employees added to the value of Geffert’s Hardware. Homeowners, craftsmen, sportsmen, housewives and do-it-yourselfers were always welcomed and afforded friendly personal attention.     

For more than sixty years, the business closed in 2012, Geffert Hardware served residents of Whiting-Robertsdale, North Hammond, as well as consumers from Illinois’ East Side.  Geffert’s reputation for quality, availability, helpfulness, courtesy, honesty, and reliability became the Hallmark of Geffert Hardware.  Store employees—family and hired help—added to the quality of service:  attention to detail, knowledgeable assistance, problem solving guidance and overall customer satisfaction.  Geffert Hardware’s stellar employees were outstanding and are recognized for their service to this family’s business:  Ross Johnson, Ernie Garritano, Andrew Lauinec, Mike Grenchik, Jim Polak, Dan Polak, Paul Adams, Dolores (Geffert) Decker, Rick Timko, Paul Havily, John Geffert Jr., Ray Kashak, Ruth Geffert, Ellen (Geffert) Williams, Tim Brown, Dick Brown, Tom Markovich, and Vincent Elias.

 Geffert’s Hardware was a modern day “General Store” gathering place.  In the “plush” seating area adjacent to the pipe cutting machine, locals could peruse editions of daily newspapers, checkout the latest design in PVC pipe fittings and discuss philosophy, politics, sports, current events, local history, “the good ‘ol days,” and pressing national and international issues with the on-duty  proprietor seated in the elevated office: John or Ray Geffert.  With a cup of coffee and caloric treats close by, patrons felt comfortable exchanging points of view and opinions.  These informal Geffert seminars have become treasures of the heart.  Along with conversations, customers, neighbors, patrons and friends all took time to greet and acknowledge “ol Blue,” the unofficial canine mascot of Geffert Hardware.

Store inventory and antique keepsakes were sold to the public via a live auction over several days. It was closure to one of the most respected businesses in the Whiting-Robertsdale communities.

All in all it was a great time.  With melancholy remembrance, an era came to an end.  To everyone who was fortunate to be part of this enterprise: the Geffert family, employees, visitors, suppliers, customers and friends it was the best--the very best.   Our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude is beyond words.