The end of an era in Winona has come with the sale of Walz Chevrolet, Buick and GMC business to Dahl Automotive of La crosse.

Third generation owner Butch Walz said while the sale was bittersweet it was the right thing to do at this time after Walz has been in business for 80 years.

Andrew Dahl, one of the four owners of the new dealership, along with his father and two brothers, said the Dahl family is excited about taking over the Walz business which will include 99% of the current Walz employees.

Dahl said the new business will be known as Dahl Chevrolet-Buick,-GMC and will remain at its present location. A future move to a new location is planned but the Dahls are awaiting the outcome of the Highway 43 bridge project.

A move to the Dahl Toyota location along Highway 61 is a possibility.

Butch Walz said his family has operated the business in Winona since 1931 and at its current location since 1961.

Walz said it originally it was located at Second and Main when it opened in 1931.