An Icon Goes On

In 2016, Chester L. Krause left this world he left an indelible mark on and in October, people in Iola gathered and marked the launch of one last thing for this man who was known far and wide for his love of community and the coin hobby.

Specifically, on Oct. 13, the dedication ceremony of the Chester L. Krause Legacy Park took place. It was to be held on the park grounds, but Mother Nature had other ideas as an all-day cold rain came down unmitigated. Fortunately, a backup plan was in place and the ceremony was moved indoors to one of the Iola Historical Society's outbuildings. Though the facility was spacious, every square foot seemed occupied by those touched by Chet’s generosity like members of the numismatic community, old car show enthusiasts, Chet’s chosen charity organizations, and Iolans who have been deeply impacted by his years of never-ending philanthropy.

In defense of the American Women's Quarters | Member-Written NOW Articles

Clifford Mishler was the master of ceremonies and began with 15 minutes of observations about his former boss who became a trusted colleague and friend. He also noted that the date of the ceremony (which happened to be Friday the 13th) was coincidentally the anniversary of the cover date of the first issue of Numismatic News, the foundation block of Chet’s publishing empire in 1952.

In defense of the American Women's Quarters | Member-Written NOW Articles

After the national anthem performed by the Iola-Scandinavia High School Band, came the proclamation of Chester L. Krause Day in Iola. David Harper, a longtime employee and editor of Numismatic News and now trustee in Iola read the decree that summarized Chet’s life and philanthropic ideals and said from this day forward, Oct. 13 will always be known as Chester L. Krause Day in Iola to a rapturous round of applause from the awed audience who witnessed his light.

Later on, Cliff introduced speakers from organizations affected by Chet. American Numismatic Association President Tom Uram talked about Chet’s numismatic legacy which is so extensive that it is impossible to measure. He noted that in 1977, Chet received the ANA Farren Zerbe Service Award – the ANA’s highest honor - and that in 2022 that award has been re-named the Chester L. Krause Service Award which serves as a testament to Chet’s far-reaching impact on the numismatic community all throughout the world.

Society of Automotive Historians representative Ken Nimocks next talked about the Iola Old Car Show which Chet started in 1972 and from humble beginnings is now one of the largest cars shows in the country. Last year over 130,000 people attended and enjoyed some 2500 show cars and 4000 swap spaces. The USA Today ranked the 10 best car shows in the country in 2023 and Iola was fourth. This is astounding considering the small population of Iola and the surrounding area compared to other shows on the list in places like Los Angeles, Louisville, St. Paul, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast and then Chet’s charities weighed in on him.

Rawhide Youth Services founder John Gillespie first spoke about his association with Chet and then current CEO Alan Loux spoke about the growth of the organization and how many young people they serve and how it could not have been possible without Chet’s financial support. The Marshfield Clinic was also heavily supported by Chet. Marshfield Clinic Resource Development Officer Terri Wilcheck spoke about a capital campaign they launched called Chet’s Challenge. It built off Chet’s donations and supported the Marshfield Clinic Center for Medical Research. She paraphrased something Chet once told her when he stated “I’ve been lucky enough to accumulate some wealth, and I want to see something good done with it.” Indeed, it was hard for many to put his decency into words.

Iola Village President Jennifer Schustek ended her remarks by saying “Thank you, Mr. Iola” and from here, Chet’s niece Patti (Krause) Dickhut represented Chet’s family and thanked the community and all those who put together the park project. She spoke with heartfelt emotion and emphasized that the Iola community reciprocated back to Chet and his family all the love and support they could ever have asked for and they were and always will be immensely grateful.

The unveiling of the bronze statue followed the speakers to a rousing round of applause. The statue was created by nationally known sculptor Eugene Daub who has previously created work in over 40 parks and monuments across the United States like a sculpture of Rosa Parks in the United States Capitol. Daub captured a fine likeness of a youthful Chet examining a large coin or medal in his hand.

In defense of the American Women's Quarters | Member-Written NOW Articles

John and Nancy Wilson then collected signatures for an archival program and there was a table set up with free literature. Various “short snorters” were offered for all those in attendance to sign and this reporter happily signed the coins one.

The ceremony concluded with the Iola-Scandinavia High School Band playing the song “For Those Who Served” as a recessional tribute, and Clifford punctuated the day by reminding everyone of Chet’s personal motto which will persevere in the hearts and minds of all those who visit Iola and go to the park for all of time:

“Some say, give until it hurts; I say, give until it feels good.”

Have an interesting numismatic topic you’d like to share with your fellow NOW members?

Send your article to evan.pretzer@protonmail.com today!!!

For more NOW Articles Written By Members, join N.O.W. today!