Saying goodbye to long-time friends

CRESCO - Gary and Marlene Aspenson have been residents of Howard County their entire lives. Now that they have sold their building, they are facing a much bigger change than retirement. They are moving away from Cresco to be with their children, who all live in the Des Moines area.

“Marlene and I were fortunate to not only grow up in the Cresco and Lime Springs area ourselves, but to raise our three children here as well,” Gary noted. “We feel very blessed and privileged to have lived and experienced all the benefits of small-town living.”

Gary’s dad, Don Aspenson, worked with Lyle Erickson in the real estate business in 1956. Seven years later, he built his own office complex in November 1963.

After graduating from college, Don and Gloria’s son, Gary worked in Riceville at Moser Doors Corp., until 1981, when he went into business with Don. The younger Aspensons purchased the real estate firm in 1987, after Don’s death the year before.

From 1983-2010, Marlene ran The Hunnicut, as a hairdresser in Cresco.

Together, the couple helped shape Cresco into what it is today. They have been very involved in Cresco-Area Chamber of Commerce and Cresco Industrial Development Corp. (CIDC) as well as Gideon’s International, state and national organizations in real estate, Realtors Association, Cresco Country Club and on the Alert Manor Board. They are also passionate about the Midwest Bible Training Center.

In the 1990s, Aspensons built the nine Oaks Condominiums, north of the hospital, and from 2002-2013, they built the five duplexes called Meadow Run Condominium Assoc.

The building at 102 N. Elm St. was purchased in 2001, when it was remodeled. In 2005-2006, the upstairs was remodeled into two suites. That building has been sold to Murphy, Coe & Smith, PLLC.

Aspenson Real Estate Sales Associates Kim Lehmkuhl, Amy Stephenson and Alison Holten are transitioning to another office.

Gary stated, “Having a family business for 55 years could not have happened without a strong Chamber, CIDC and the support of many other businesses and institutions. We are grateful to all of them.

“We can’t thank our friends, neighbors, past customers and business associates enough for all they have done, especially these past few months. Your support and encouragement has been greatly appreciated. We will miss all of you!”

In addition, Gary and Marlene credit their staff for much of their success. “Thank you to Deb (Morris), John (Mullen), Chuck (Curtis), Bud (McCarville), Alison, Kim and Amy for your hard work and faithfulness over the years. You will be missed!”

Aspensons may be moving, but they still have many friends and relatives in the area and plan to visit as they can.