by Karen Hassler
Today we are reflecting on Kim’s community contributions of 30 plus years of service to our surrounding communities. As we celebrate her life we know that Kim loved the communities she lived and worked in. You notice I said communities because Kim’s life touched thousands of households in Otoe, Cass, Johnson, Lancaster counties and beyond. It is safe to say that Kim’s hands and heart touched everyone that ever shopped at Wheeler’s, True Value and Do it best. I’m sure everyone who is here today has an item in your home, business or farm that Kim has assisted you in finding for just the right use. We all have a kindred connection to Kim so it is only right to honor Kim’s community contributions.
Kim’s community involvement began as a young woman as she stepped into the role of wife, mother and hardware queen! I’m pretty certain Kim didn’t know what God had planned for her over the next 30-some years but that didn’t matter she just went where she was led…..after a stint with Wheeler’s in the early years-Gene Mercer was blessed to find Kim and hired her to work at True Value, which much later became Do It Best. It is only fitting as I think Do it best describes Kim perfectly as she did only her best. She was able to achieve success in her ‘career” because it never was about Kim-only about others. Through out her career True Value/ Do it Best became “command central” for Kim’s community crusade….She never ever shied away from a chance to help others- NO was not a word in her vocabulary and her reply was always a sunny, “ what can I do for you?” Kim was very adept at persuading just about anyone, especially family, friends and Gene Mercer into joining her crusade.
As CCC-chief community crusader, Kim was an activist. Her friends and colleagues have dubbed her the “great ambassador” for her endless promotion of her hometown and shopping in town.
One of Kim’s most profound and lasting achievements was as the leader of the Chamber’s Retail Trade committee-the purpose was to bring chamber businesses together and promote the community. Long before this committee was formed Kim spearheaded numerous Chamber committees. She was a “selfless promoter” of the Chamber’s activities such as Germanfest, Tannenbaum, pancake feeds and many other events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Kim went to great lengths to do anything to promote these events, such as running for the Tannenbaum Grinchette, what fun she had and at the same time raised money for the food bank. You can see why she honored as Chamber Member of the year.…her chamber peers honored Kim with these words of praise-Kim worked endlessly and tirelessly to promote the community-invaluable member-selfless-worked tirelessly-contagious enthusiasm-which brings me to her perky and positive outlook on life…her energy was contagious!
Because of her endless energy and positive personality Kim was able to move many to join her in her crusade-Get folks into Syracuse knowing that would keep the community vital.
Through Command Central Kim was able to donate hundreds of hours in volunteer time to many organizations, such as Jaycees, Rocket sports booster, FFA booster, 4-H, and many other events as well as thousands of dollars of in-kind donations to every club, school group, school activity and fund raisers for non-profits, church groups in Otoe and the surrounding counties. You got a cookbook to sell-ask Kim. You have tickets to sell… ask Kim. What about prom…ask Kim. Home Town Variety has been home to countless fundraisers for non-profits, community groups, and church groups at no cost to the group. As a perennial Rocket booster Kim insisted on stocking Rocket themed merchandise so locals could show spirit!
I don’t suppose Kim ever realized that her life was the life God had planned for her nor did she realize that she was doing God’s will. Thanks Kim for your life of community service. One thing for certain God had a bright, glittery, sparkly crown waiting for you- fit for a queen-our hardware queen.
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