JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A local small business that has served the Jamestown community for the more than 40 years is closing their doors.

Dick and Judy Dauer opened Dauer’s Trophies as a family-friendly shop where schools, clubs, and teams could get custom engraved trophies. Now, after more than 43 years, Judy is wanting to sell the business in hopes it can continue serving the area.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” Dauer writes in a letter to the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center (JREC). “I am still praying that someone will come forward and want to take over a trophy shop. [I] don’t want to let Jamestown stranded without a trophy shop.”

Dauer says she loves her customers and has made awards for kids, grandkids, and more. She added she’s looking to retire and is reflecting on her years in business.

“I look back at so many businesses that haven’t lasted this long,” Dauer writes. “I hope they made the right decisions as I hope I am making good choices now. Hoping God is guiding me through this next step in my life. It’s been fun. Never a dull moment. Always something new [and] I still get new customers every week.”

Dauer references her late husband, who passed away in 2018. She thanked friends and relatives who have helped during that time.

“So many good memories from getting up at 3am to make trophies for someone who forgot the awards and needed them by noon to driving 80 miles to deliver trophies to someone. To redoing a order on event day that I goofed up on [and] excited kids telling me about their awards from us. Thank you for your business and your friendship.”

Now she’s hopeful someone will continue their business as she looks to be done by June.

If interested, you can contact Dauer’s Trophies at 701-252-6777 or visit 916 14th St. NE in Jamestown during business hours.