Meet the Locals: Stuart and Christie Fleischauer

By Heather Rule

Stuart Fleischauer is originally from Wahpeton, and his dad started All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning in 1994. Their family had a lake place before later moving to Otter Tail County permanently.

Christie Fleischauer grew up in the Twin Cities suburbs before moving to Fergus Falls in 2001. The Fleischauers later built a house in rural Otter Tail County. Their kids go to school in Battle Lake, Christie and Stuart work in Ottertail, and the family technically lives in Henning.

The couple likes small-town life in lakes country.

“I enjoy the people because it’s a small town and everybody knows everybody, it seems like,” Stuart said. “It’s fun to know who’s in your backyard. Everybody seems to care. Everybody seems to be in a fairly good mood around here because it’s a fun place to be.”

After Stuart’s dad retired from the business, Stuart took over as owner, operator, and president. Christie also came on board to work with her husband as co-owner.

The Fleischauers have four children, two girls and two boys, ranging in age from a fourth-grader to a college sophomore. Their various activities keep the family busy, running to games and practices for hockey, dance, and other extracurricular activities.

Stuart is also on the Ottertail Fire Department. He served as the fire chief for more than a dozen years.

“I just like being part of the community and being able to serve,” Stuart said.

The family enjoys taking in the outdoors, riding four-wheelers, and snowmobiling. Plus, they’re close enough to a lake where they can skate in the winter or fish in the summer. They also attend plenty of community events like Otterfest, Otter Dazzle, and concerts in the park. They’re heavily involved with the Ottertail Business and Community Association. Owning a family business is also very rewarding for the Fleischauers.

“We love to give back to the schools, the community, organizations, and churches,” Christie said.

They enjoy watching the Ottertail community grow and also welcome new businesses to the area.