Iola community remembers Chet Krause

IOLA - Chet Krause forever changed life in his beloved hometown of Iola, both through his work and philanthropy in the community.

Krause, founder of Krause Publications and the Iola Car Show, died on Saturday. He was 92.

Born Dec. 16, 1923 in rural Waupaca County, Krause attended high school in Iola, and returned to the community in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. After a few years working on the family farm and as a builder, in October 1952 Krause launched Numismatic News, which was meant to serve the buying, selling and trading needs of coin collectors nationwide who didn't live near coin shops or where coin shows or conventions were held.

Krause Publications — which would eventually expand into collectible hobbies including sports cards and memorabilia, postcards, comic books, records, stamps, firearms, knives, toys and general antiques — expanded into the automobile field in 1971 with the publication of "Old Cars." The following year, in conjunction with a pig roast and a donation auction fundraiser sponsored by the Iola Lions Club, Krause invited two dozen area vintage car owners to display their vehicles at the event, which became the first Iola Car Show.

The Iola Car Show and Swap Meet, which will mark its 44th year when it is held July 7 through July 9, is now billed as one of the largest events for auto enthusiasts in the U.S. and annually draws more than 120,000 visitors.

“Chet’s influence in this area is felt far beyond what words can express, and we could never repay all he’s done for us and our community,” said a statement by the Iola Car Show on its Facebook page.

Greg Loescher, a member of the Iola Historical Society, said Krause was a huge part of the community. Loescher is chairperson for the society’s Historic Iola Marker Program, which designates historical locations in the village. Two of the spots are directly tied to Krause, the home where he started the Numismatic News and the site of the first car show.

“This was more of a small agricultural town, and when (Krause) started his business it changed everything. More people had a reason to come here and live,” said Loescher, who worked for Krause Publications for 23 years until 2004. “He could have left town or done a lot of different things later on but he stayed."

Loescher said that today, in part because of Krause, Iola boasts a variety of amenities like the ski hill at the Iola Winter Sports Club and the Iola-Scandinavia Community Fitness & Aquatic Center along with events like the car show that other communities its size do not have.

“He wasn’t a flashy or showy person about what he had,” Loescher said. “He was very down to earth and wanted to help, and he helped make Iola what it is today.”

Iola Village President Joel Edler, who worked for Krause Publications for 22 years before retiring in 2006, said Krause donated millions of dollars to projects such as street renovations, village park improvement, the development of Lake Iola, and assisted living housing for seniors. Most recently Edler said Krause assisted with the renovation of Iola Street which included repaving and new crosswalks, a project Edler said is currently finishing up.

“He said to me one time that he wanted the check to the undertaker to bounce,” said Edler, who has served as village president since 2006. “He was unbelievably giving.”

In retirement Edler said he came to know Krause more personally, driving him to visit relatives across the United States.

“He enjoyed life a great deal, and he enjoyed people,” Edler said. “He was a real gentleman, and I’ll certainly miss him.”

Funeral services for Krause will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Iola-Scandinavia High School gymnasium, 540 S. Jackson St. Visitation will be held in the gymnasium from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorials in memory of Krause may be given to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 9000 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee WI 53226 or to Rawhide Boys Ranch, E7475 Rawhide Rd., New London WI 54961. Register book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com.

Nathan Vine: 715-345-2252 or nvine@gannett.com ; on Twitter @NathanAVi ne