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John Liepa's avatar

Chuck - let’s give Parnell another reason to stand proud! Patsy Gharrity was born there in 1892 - a Major League Baseball catcher who caught for the Washington Senators from 1916 to 1924 and was Hall of Famers Walter Johnson’s favorite catcher and roommate. He was a player-manager, coach, and part-time scout. John Liepa

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Suzanna de Baca's avatar

Thank you, Chuck. What a lovely tribute to a generous couple who have made such a difference in our community -- and continue to support Iowa in so many ways. Love the look back at their home communities!

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you, Chuck and Mary! it is always a good day when you can go home again!

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Susan Yinger's avatar

That was the golden age of growing up in Iowa. Our parents valued education, supported the schools and activities, and it was like my mom said, “wherever you are, someone will know what you’ve done, and it will get back to me. So behave yourself.”

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Julie Stone's avatar

Wonderful story and nice to hear more about Larry and Kathi. The similarities made me chuckle, thinking back to detassling days and everybody knowing everything! Thanks!

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John Meyer's avatar

Hi Chuck. Another fantastic article filled with information and reasons that we are proud to be Iowans. You really bring these stories to life and help to remind us of how much good is still in the world. Thank you

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Richard Gilbert's avatar

Chuck—A wonderful tribute to a wonderful couple. I predict a whole generation of Williamsburg kids will now be aspiring to become actuaries.

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Thanks, Chuck, for this wonderful tour. And thanks to Larry and Kathi for all they do to make Des Moines and Iowa a better place to live.

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David Wilkerson's avatar

Great story telling Chuck! My mom was a Williamsburg graduate, and I was also an Iowa County native graduating from EV in North English. I always admired the families like the Holdens and Zimplemans that gave so much back to their communities!

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Betty Grandquist's avatar

Great story,it captures what is good about Iowa.Is it that we see life as it is and we like it?

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John Schmidt's avatar

Chuck, as someone who worked with Larry at Principal for many years, I found this column delightful! Larry and Kathi have done so much for their communities.

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Julie's avatar

Wonderful! Thanks for taking us to their Iowa ‘roots’!

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Pat Geadelmann's avatar

Very interesting. Nice to see the references to the values instilled by parents.

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