I would like to tell you of an adventure that my family embarked upon June 9th, which ended in Independence, Iowa.
My family consists of my wife, Tammy, my two daughters, Kayla and Karlie, myself and the family dog.
On the morning of June 9th, we left Conrad on a family vacation to Piles Peak State Park near McGreogor, with camper in tow. Just west of Dike we acquired transmission trouble, big trouble. This problem required my brother-in-law, our Suburban, and a tow to Waterloo.
After four hours we were glad to find out we were ready for the road once again. Following a quick lunch in Waterloo, we hit Highway 20 East. Well, 4 miles west of Independence the smoke started to roll again, and so did the swear words. After calling the last shop, we got a phone number for a shop in your fine community, "Iowa Transmission Rebuilders", and a gentleman named Clark. This is where the many indescribable acts of kindness began.
Clark informed me that the transmission's life had ended, and that it would be a couple of days before he could get to it. He then asked where we were headed. I said that we decided on Backbone State Park after we had left Waterloo, but the motel up the street would do just fine.
But, Clark wouldn't hear of that. Thus entering the picture was a fine gentleman named Leo. While Leo and I were getting his pickup ready to tow us to Backbone, Clark was gone to get his car for us to drive while he was working on the truck. He would not have us stuck at the park without a car.
These are two gentlemen who out of kindness helped out a family of which they had no idea of who we were, or where we were from. The community of Independence should be proud to have guys like Clark Fratzke and Leo Kremer calling Independence home. My family and I am sure glad they live there. They sure made our week a good one.
Once again, we would like to thank Clark and Leo for their kindness, and am looking forward to meeting with them again, somewhere near the Skyway Restaurant.
- Craig H. Koonee & Family