Liese Lumber co.

Since 1872

A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since 1872


For more than a century, Liese Lumber has played a role in building homes, businesses, and communities throughout Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region. What began as a small lumber operation in the 1800s has grown into a trusted supplier known for quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and strong family leadership.

Below is a look at the key moments that shaped our story.

Julius Liese, front right, is shown with his sons in 1880. He founded Liese Lumber Co. in 1872 and turned it over to the Lippert family, which has been operating it since the 1920s.

Our History

Built Through Generations of Work, Resilience, and Craft

From horse-drawn deliveries to modern contractor service, Liese Lumber’s story is built on legacy, family continuity, and a commitment to quality that has endured since 1872.

1872

Liese Lumber Is Founded

Liese Lumber begins serving Belleville, Illinois during a period of rapid regional growth. From the beginning, the company earned trust by supplying the materials local builders relied on most.

Historic Liese Lumber horse wagon delivery Belleville IL
Early Delivery Era
Horse-drawn deliveries reflect the earliest chapter of Liese Lumber’s service in Belleville.
Historic Liese family portrait Belleville Illinois
Family Legacy
The Liese family legacy helped shape the company’s values and long-term reputation.
Early Generations

A Family Name Becomes a Local Standard

As Belleville expanded, Liese Lumber grew with it. The company’s name became associated with dependable products, practical expertise, and a level of trust only family stewardship can build over time.

Growth Years

Expanding Inventory, Expanding Reach

Liese Lumber broadened beyond raw lumber into structural materials, millwork, and specialized product lines, helping contractors and builders meet the changing needs of the region.

Historic timber crew at Liese Lumber Belleville IL
Built for Bigger Jobs
Historic crew and timber stock reflect the scale and strength of the company’s growing operation.
Historic Liese Lumber group photo Belleville IL
Culture & Community
The people behind the company built more than materials supply — they built lasting relationships.
Mid-Century

A Trusted Lumber Yard for Builders and Neighbors

Through decades of change, Liese Lumber remained part of daily life in Belleville — serving the professionals, homeowners, and families shaping homes, additions, and communities across the Metro East.

1972

Fire, Loss, and Resilience

The 1972 fire marked one of the most difficult moments in company history. Yet Liese Lumber endured — proving that its legacy was built not only on products, but on resilience, leadership, and commitment to community.

1972 Liese Lumber fire historic Belleville Illinois
1972 Fire
A defining moment in the company’s story — and a powerful symbol of rebuilding.
Historic Liese Lumber storefront Main Street Belleville IL
Main Street Presence
The downtown storefront reflects the company’s long-standing identity in the heart of Belleville.
Rebuilding Era

Presence, Continuity, and Local Identity

Through adversity and change, Liese Lumber remained visible and rooted in Belleville — a name generations of customers continued to recognize for quality building materials and dependable service.

Modern Legacy

Family Continuity at 319 East Main

Generations later, the company continues to carry forward the values that built it — service, expertise, consistency, and pride in the communities it has served for over 150 years.

Four generations of Liese family Belleville IL
319 East Main
A modern image of continuity — family, leadership, and local trust in one frame.
Current Liese Lumber family and team Belleville Illinois
Liese Lumber Today
Today’s brand presence reflects a company that honors its roots while continuing to serve modern projects.
Today

Still Serving Builders, Remodelers, and Homeowners

Today, Liese Lumber continues to supply specialty lumber, timbers, millwork, siding, decking, windows, doors, cabinetry, and premium building materials for customers throughout Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville, Fairview Heights, and beyond.

A Belleville legacy built through craftsmanship, family stewardship, and enduring trust.

A Tradition That Continues

For more than 150 years, Liese Lumber has remained committed to quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and personalized service. As the company moves forward, it continues to honor the traditions that began in the 19th century while supporting the next generation of builders and homeowners.

Four generations of Lipperts have served as president of Liese Lumber Co. in Belleville since the 1920s. They are, clockwise from left, Tom, his grandfather, Oscar, father Howard and son Mike, pictured together in 1969.

The six owners of Liese Lumber Co. in Belleville include, left to right, Sue Hauck, Gregg Lippert, Tom Lippert, Roger Lippert, Carol Keim and Mike Lippert. The family-owned business is turning 150 this year.