‘Stars Over 70’ celebrates those who make Belle Plaine a better place

Belle Plaine is celebrating area Stars Over 70, individuals who help make the world a better place through volunteering, working and serving as role models.

The 2023 honorees are Cindy Ehlen, Dave Hrabak, Jane Hrabak and Phillip Schwarzkopf. Each Star was interviewed by a student in Susan Mattmiller’s creative writing class at Belle Plaine High School. In addition to being published here, the interviews will be on display this summer at Belle Plaine's Hartig Drug, along with thank-you cards created by students in Melisa Kriegel's prep-kindergarten classroom. The Stars Over 70 celebration is sponsored by the Wallace and Beverly Winkie Foundation.

2023 Stars Over 70

Cindy Ehlen, Interviewed by Mary Shields

Cindy Ehlen was born in Mason City in the year 1940. At her high school, she played golf and she still does. She came to Belle Plaine, because she married her husband and he lives in Belle Plaine. They met at Coe College on a blind date, and they have been married for 63 years. They married on June 4, 1960. She went to college for physical therapy. She moved here in 1961, and then moved out in 1996 to manage apartments. Then they moved back in the year 2006 when she and her husband retired.

All of her past jobs were as a painter, wallpaperer and EMT. She has also managed apartments with her husband, fixed old apartments, and is a mama. She has one son still living in Belle Plaine. She had four sons total but the oldest one died. The other two live elsewhere. She is well-known in town for being a friend. What people know about her is that she is feisty, a card player, and a good mama. She describes herself as friendly. Her favorite memory is being a mama. If she went back in time, she would have traveled more. Her biggest role model is her father, because he is very tolerant. Her proudest accomplishment is raising four good boys. She would say that friends influence her the most, but she also just tries to do what is best or right.

Her favorite thing about Belle Plaine is that it is a small town. She enjoys knowing people and feels that she can be more involved in a small town. She says that since living here some of her friends have died, and the community center, Subway, and el Catrin are new. There used to only be the Lincoln for a long time. She says the worst thing to happen to Belle Plaine is COVID. The Lincoln is her favorite place to eat. She goes golfing twice a week, so she likes the golf course. She wishes that there were more clothing shops. She thinks Belle Plaine is a nice place to raise a family, and it has a good school.

Some life lessons for the younger generations are to stay off your phone. One thing she wished to say to herself when she was younger was to be a better friend. One big law change was abortion laws, and she didn’t think about that when she was growing up. She says that kids these days miss out, because they don’t have to make their own fun. She says that computers and telephones have changed a lot over the years. She says that the internet is useful, because she can look up phone numbers and do online banking. Taking pictures is different, because they used to have a film that you needed to develop. She says it feels good to have lived through so much history. Some major world events that impacted her life were COVID and Polio. She says that people are not as friendly as they used to be. Costs went up. They used to buy a movie ticket for 25 cents.

She said that she misses the water and that she is a water person. She also talked about being a kid and every school year she would be in Mason City but every summer she and her family would go to Clear Lake. Her dad made her a boat. There was an ice man that brought them ice. The garbage truck was pulled by horses and she and her friend would ride on the back of it. She does sudoku puzzles to keep her mind sharp. When she was younger, she and her friends would go to concerts, skiing, roller skating, swimming, and dancing at the YMCA. She would get crickets and bring them home. She has one older sister that is four years older than her. She is a congregationalist, but she doesn’t go to church.

Dave Hrabak, Interviewed by Zander Zesch

David Hrabak was born and raised in Belle Plaine, Iowa. He graduated from BPHS in 1965, went on to further his education, and graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. David enjoyed playing baseball on the Graceland Baseball team, and that love continued for many years even beyond marriage and family. He took a BP Little League team of All Stars to a winning season in 1975 and enjoyed playing slow pitch softball.

David returned to school and graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science. He returned to join his father, a fourth generation funeral director, in the family business. In December 1973, David married Jane Spillman and together they raised three sons, Eric, Cameron, and Evan. They also share three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

In 1984, David and Jane bought the funeral home from his father, and they continued to share the 24-hour tasks until their retirement on Sept. 30, 2015. He likes to be around people and has never been one to sit around home — as his involvement in our community can attest. David worked part-time over 28 years for the Coast to Coast Store until his responsibilities on the hill kept Dave busy full-time. Even his twice a week bowling was halted. By this time, Dave was deeply involved with family events.

Besides work and family, he supported all athletic programs by attending and coaching, and was on the BP Park Board for many years. As time allowed, he was a volunteer fireman for 11 years and a member of the JC’s. He is currently the Board President for the BP Community Center, as well as a member of BP Rotary and the Knights of Columbus. He delivers meals every week, and both he and Jane help with food distribution at the end of each month. They also drive to Vinton Gardens for fresh produce to share with our local BP Food Pantry every week during the summer.

After having the great opportunity to interview Dave, I want to say I think he is a great person who has spent their whole life in Belle Plaine. I hope to see him again in public.

Jane Hrabak, Interviewed by Stephanie Hook

Jane Spillman Hrabak was born in Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up in Lamoni, Iowa, and moved to Belle Plaine in 1973 after marrying David Hrabak. Jane and David owned and operated the Hrabak Funeral Home until retiring Sept. 30, 2015. They are the parents of three sons — Eric, Cameron, and Evan. They also have three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

Jane feels like her children and family are her greatest accomplishments. When asked who was the biggest influence in her life, she immediately said, “my parents.” Jane added that they passed along wisdom and strength, and tried to tell her to always “use her head before acting.” Jane describes herself as one who “looks at a glass half-full instead of half-empty.” She loves to enter state fair competitions, especially baking, fine arts, competitive arts, and photography. The concrete statue contest has become a favorite each year; in fact you might see a few around town. She also painted the large Hawk on the building as you turn to go down Main Street. All of these items have been given to the community to enhance a creative look. She likes Belle Plaine and how everyone in town takes care of one another. Some advice she wishes to share would be, “Life is short. Always be kind to yourself and to others.”

When asked about the many recent changes to BP, Jane noted there have been a lot of buildings removed, and we need to think about the future. She’s hopeful Belle Plaine will continue to grow and keep its youth involved.

Jane and her husband, David, have been involved in distributing food through HACAP, and they drive to the Vinton Gardens for fresh produce to share with the Benton County Food Pantry from May through September. Jane has been involved with creating and judging Western Art for the Iowa Arts Council for many years. She loves to draw, as well as play the piano and organ. Jane has entertained at local care centers and played for several churches in this area for many years. Jane recently enjoyed playing in the pit band for the combined school musical, after devoting many years to accompanying high school choirs and contests. Beyond the classroom, Jane held “A Prelude to Christmas” for 25 years that allowed locals and special guests to share their talents and gifts. Additionally, Jane received the Award for Volunteerism from Gov. Branstad for all her volunteer efforts.

Jane is a member of Athena Club and believes strongly in mentoring and encouraging youth. She says we should we read to our children, listen as they tell about their day, and always show them how much they are loved. Remember, they are our future.

Phillip Schwarzkopf, Interviewed by Nolan Oliver

I had the pleasure of interviewing Phillip Schwarzkopf, an affable, easygoing senior member of the Belle Plaine community. My impression of Mr. Schwarzkopf is that he is a dedicated father and an admirable citizen of Belle Plaine. I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to listen to his story and can share it with you.

Mr. Schwarzkopf was born in Indiana, where he grew up with a loving family as the older brother to three sisters. He now looks back on his childhood with gratitude, especially toward his father, who he considers his role model. He met his wife and moved to Belle Plaine in 1971. He is the father of two sons and a daughter, and has three grandsons. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, as well as taking continuing education courses in agriculture. He was a P.E. teacher in Missouri, then worked for several different seed companies in the Belle Plaine area before retiring.

Mr. Schwarzkopf has lived in Belle Plaine for 52 years. He’s been in the Lions Club for nearly 50 years and on the Beautification Committee for over 10. He’s done more than his share of community service in his time and remains an active member of the community. He believes the best part about Belle Plaine is the people, who he says are very helpful. He talked with pride about how the community members are always willing to help each other, which he considers to be very important.

In conclusion, I’d like to share Mr. Schwarzkopf’s message for today's generation: “Always try your best. Don’t give up on a hard situation, because there’s always a better day coming down the road.”