McColloughs retire after 52 years in business

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

As George McCollough leans back in his chair at his kitchen table last week, a number of past newspaper articles and pictures are neatly displayed on the table. After a lifetime of working as a welder the 76-year-old has an almost relaxed tone to his voice as he reflects on a career that spanned generations.

In a career that started before many local residents were even born, McCollough recently hung up his welder for the final time as he entered a new chapter in his life—retirement. 

“I must have liked it in order to get 52 years in it,” said McCollough with a laugh.

It was just over 52 years ago when the 23-year-old McCollough purchased the blacksmith shop located in downtown Henning from Henry Holmgren on Oct. 1, 1970. Even though he has officially retired from his business, which remains a popular stop for people opting to repair equipment instead of just throwing it away, McCollough has no plans to slow down. He is now focused on getting projects completed around the house that have been put on the back burner through the years in favor of work. 

“I can do what I please now, instead of what I have to get done,” he said.

Judy said her husband was raised on a farm with a good work ethic, which has been a key to their success over the years. 

“His mother taught him well. A good work ethic,” she said. 

When he originally purchased the business, the shop was located in the heart of downtown Henning, where a parking lot now serves the clinic and near the former Thalmann Repair Shop. McCollough was working for a grain farm at the time, but wanted to move back to the community he spent much of his teenage years.

“My folks moved here when I was 13 years old,” he said. 

Though he had no previous welding training, other than what he picked up along the way, McCollough took a welding class in Wahpeton, N.D. and eventually bought Holmgren’s business. At the time of the sale, newspaper articles stated Holmgren was one of the oldest independent welders in the state. 

“Somehow I just got in touch with him and bought him out,” said McCollough. “I don’t really remember how.”

Through the years, McCollough has had the opportunity to make everything from bale holders, to converting trucks into pumper trucks, wagons, trailers and everything in-between.

Being in business for 52 years, McCollough has watched as local farms have been passed down to a second and now third generations—many of whom still came to McCollough Welding for their repairs and equipment needs until he retired earlier this year. 

“Seeing a lot of three generation customers,” he said. “We had good customers, or I wouldn’t have made it.”

Though he has wanted to retire for a number of years, McCollough continued to operate his business on the outskirts of Henning as he sought a person to take over his business. His desire to eventually retire was reinforced last year when his son Brian passed away from a battle with cancer.

“Losing my son last summer changed my mind about getting rid of it a bit,” said McCollough.

Just a few weeks ago Ben Greene purchased McCollough Welding and opened North Star Welding in Henning. He has taken over the welding business that has its ties to Henning since Henry Holmgren became a staple in the community almost a century ago. Greene said he wants to continue the legacy established by Holmgren and McCollough for another generation of local residents. 

As he enters retirement, McCollough said he was thankful for all of the support he received from local residents. An appreciation event and Spring Fling was held in McCollough’s honor over the weekend at the Henning Festival Grounds. 

“Thank you to the customers for all of the support,” he said.