History
In 1948 Richard J. Fonk Sr. settled on property owned by his father-in-law with a mobile home. Before long, fellow mobile home owners began stopping by to inquire about the possibilities of placing their home nearby. It quickly became apparent to the Fonk’s that an opportunity had presented itself, and their first community was established just 3 miles east of Union Grove on Hwy. 11.
In 1968, this original community had grown to 50 spaces and the family opened a second site. Since that year, three additions have been made to the original site, and two to the second community boasting accommodation for nearly 300 homes. The business made a leap from mobile home communities to Home Center in 1952, when they sold their first manufactured (Mobile) home. Fonk’s were one of the first ten mobile home dealers in the state of Wisconsin.
Richard and his wife raised their five children within the community. They were assured that their work would be carried on. Their son, Richard Jr., began riding along his father’s truck while he was still in diapers. By the time he was 15, he could maneuver a 50 foot trailer into the tightest of spaces. Their other two children, John and Linda, went on to establish other communities in Wisconsin.
Richard J. Fonk Sr. died in 1979. The business was turned over to his five children. Richard Jr. and his wife, Janice, purchased the business from the other siblings in 1987. They maintained the tradition by bringing up their five children in the shadows of the business. Family involvement has grown to include three sons, two daughters one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law.