How Did We Get Here? The History of Topel’s Towing & Repair
Topel’s Towing & Repair has been a cornerstone of the Lake Mills, WI, community for over 75 years. What began as a small family endeavor has grown into a trusted name in towing and auto repair, combining deep-rooted traditions with modern advancements. Our story is one of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to serving our neighbors with excellence.
The Beginning:
A Family Tradition
In September 1948, Clifford Topel, alongside his brothers, father, and other relatives, built a modest repair facility on their family farm at the south end of Lake Mills. Originally designed to maintain their farming equipment, this facility quickly became more than a farm shop. Clifford saw an opportunity to extend their services to local farmers and motorists, offering repairs and towing throughout Wisconsin.
Under the name Topel’s Lakeside Service, the family worked tirelessly to provide quality automotive care to a growing community. Whether it was repairing tractors, fixing cars, or providing roadside assistance, the Topel name became synonymous with reliability and hard work.
NINETEEN FOURTY EIGHT
‘48
1948
Cliff Topel and his father, brothers, and cousins built the original building on family farm property at 1110 South Main Street in Lake Mills, WI
NINETEEN FIFTY THREE
‘53
1953
Cliff and the Crew at Topels began selling International Trucks including the International Scout that came out in 1961.
Towing:
A Legacy on the Road
Topel’s orange-and-white towing fleet has become a familiar sight on the roads of Jefferson County and along I-94 between Madison and Milwaukee. With a commitment to safety and professionalism, Topel’s towing services grew to serve not just individual motorists but also law enforcement agencies, motor clubs, and commercial fleets.
In the early 2000s, the company expanded its towing operations to include medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, providing specialized services for larger vehicles such as semi-trucks and heavy equipment. The fleet, a point of pride for the Topel family, reflects their unwavering dedication to supporting the community and maintaining brand recognition.
NINETEEN
FIFTY
FIVE
‘55
1955
The first Tow Truck was purchased and added as services the Topels would provide. It was a white truck with a homemade wrecker back end, made by Cliff.
SIX
‘66
1966
Cliff married Violet Bobholz from Friesland. They went on their honeymoon to Daytona Beach, FL for the NASCAR race. That November, their firstborn, Pamela Ann was born.
More Than a
Repair Shop
Topel’s Towing & Repair became more than just a place to fix cars—it became a partner for the community’s vehicle needs. The introduction of dedicated service advisors ensured that every client received clear, honest communication about their vehicle’s condition. From routine maintenance to engine replacements, Topel’s provides education and options, empowering customers to make informed decisions about their vehicles.
Over time, Topel’s expanded its expertise to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, assisting customers with:
- Acquiring vehicles, through pre-purchase inspections and maintenance planning.
- Maintaining vehicles, with regular service and timely repairs.
- Selling vehicles, ensuring they’re in top condition to maximize resale value.
Whatever the need, Topel’s is the trusted partner for vehicle care in Lake Mills and beyond. At Topel’s Towing & Repair, we are your solution!
Modern Growth: A Vision for the Future
Dan and Tara continued to innovate and invest in the company, even during challenging times. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they built a new, state-of-the-art facility to better serve their growing customer base. In August 2022, Topel’s officially moved into this expanded space, featuring:
- Ten Service Bays: Offering technicians efficient and organized workspaces.
- A Parts Store: Conveniently attached to the building for streamlined repairs.
This new facility reflects Topel’s commitment to blending tradition with modern conveniences. It’s a space where customers feel valued, and technicians have the tools and environment to deliver exceptional service.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As Topel’s Towing & Repair looks to the future, their mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional towing and automotive services with honesty, integrity, and care. Their history isn’t just a story of where they’ve been—it’s a testament to where they’re going.
Through ongoing training, advanced technology, and a customer-first approach, Topel’s continues to honor its legacy while embracing the challenges of tomorrow. From a small farm repair shop to a leading automotive and towing service provider, the Topel family’s dedication has stood the test of time.
NINETEEN SEVENTY TWO
‘72
1972
Daniel Clifford was born on August 19. Then next day, Cliff had the tow truck lettered up to read C.E. Topel & Son. Cliff was almost 50 when Dan was born, creating quite a generation gap in the succession plan.
TWO
THOUSAND
‘00
2000
Cliff & Vi’s nephew, Shawn, was passionate about the Heavy Duty towing and repair portion of the business. Cliff sold the tow trucks to him and he planted his business on the North side of Lake Mills near I-94.
A New Chapter:
Growth and Expansion
Over the decades, the small repair facility evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. What started as a local service for farmers expanded to include towing, roadside assistance, and a wide range of vehicle repairs. By January 1, 2003, the next generation of the Topel family was ready to take the reins.
Clifford’s son, Dan, and his wife, Tara, officially formed Topel’s Towing & Repair, Inc. Under their leadership, the business experienced significant growth, building on the foundation of trust and excellence established by Clifford. The shop expanded to a modern facility with ten service bays, offering technicians efficient space to perform high-quality work for every client.
TWO
THOUSAND
THREE
‘03
2003
After Cliff had a health issue, Dan & Tara decided they needed to assess their racing career, family life, and priorities. They formed a corporation to carry on the Topel’s torch, with Cliff still being active with small engines and helping everywhere he could.
TWENTY
TWENTY
TWO
‘22
2022
After over 2 years of planning and demolishing the original building in September of 2020, the new facility that spans over 14,000 square feet is completed. The Topel’s Service & Towing companies have positioned themselves for future growth and continue the family legacy serving Southern Wisconsin.
Rooted in the
Community
Topel’s success is deeply tied to its small-town roots. In a place like Lake Mills, where tradition and reputation matter, the Topel name has become a symbol of trust, quality, and consistency. The family’s commitment to serving the community goes beyond automotive care—they actively support local events, schools, and organizations, strengthening the bonds that have sustained their business for decades.
Confidence Backed by a Warranty
Every repair at Topel’s is backed by a nation-wide 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty, giving you peace of mind long after you leave our shop.
Comprehensive Auto Repair Services in Lake Mills
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and our pre-purchase inspection services in Lake Mills make it easier. We combine a detailed physical check, an Accucheck report, and expert maintenance guidance so you can buy with confidence.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative care is essential for a reliable, long-lasting vehicle. Our preventative maintenance services in Lake Mills include scheduled inspections, fluid changes, and personalized advice to help you avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly.
Oil Change Services
Regular oil changes are key to protecting your engine’s health. At Topel’s, we use premium oils like Citgo, BG, Valvoline, Mobil 1, and European-specific oils, ensuring every oil change meets the highest standards for local drivers.
Pre-Trip Inspection
Heading out on the road? Our pre-trip inspections in Lake Mills cover every critical system, giving you peace of mind before your journey. Drivers throughout the area trust us to ensure their vehicles are road-ready.
Auto Repair
From minor fixes to major repairs, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced technicians deliver high-quality auto repair services, backed by clear communication and a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty for your peace of mind.
Vehicle Testing
When your check engine light comes on, your vehicle has a leak, is making odd noises, or does not start or stay running, our vehicle testing and analysis services pinpoint the issue quickly. We deliver accurate and trusted solutions to keep your vehicle running safely.
Brake Repair
Your safety depends on your brakes. We provide complete brake repair services, from inspections to pad and rotor replacements and parking brake repairs, ensuring reliable stopping power.
Auto A/C and Heater Repair
Stay comfortable year-round with expert auto A/C and heater repair services from Topel’s. From recharging your A/C to fixing your heater core, our skilled technicians quickly restore your climate control system to peak performance.
Tires
Whether you need tire repairs, replacements, or assistance choosing the right tires, we’ve got you covered. Our tire repair services help keep your vehicle safe and performing at its best.
Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling. Alignment issues can also cause a steering wheel to be off-center. Our wheel alignment services keep your vehicle driving smoothly, improving both safety and fuel efficiency.
Experience the Difference at Topel’s Towing & Repair
At Topel’s Towing & Repair, we’re proud of our past and excited for our future. Whether you need towing, routine maintenance, or major repairs, we’re here to provide trusted solutions backed by decades of experience.
Visit us at 1110 S Main St, Lake Mills, WI 53551, or call (920)-648-8115 to learn more about our services. Let us show you how 75 years of tradition, innovation, and dedication make all the difference.
