I have recently returned from a trip to Iowa, the home of Lisle Corporation. Established in the small town of Clarinda with a population of 5,000 people. Travelling by car, it is 115 miles from Kansas City, Missouri or 90 miles from Omaha, Nebraska. Missouri and Nebraska are also the two closest airports to Clarinda, Iowa.
The reason for my trip was to honor a member of the family, Fredrick Lisle, who passed on way too young. As part of the fourth generation in the Lisle family, he devoted his entire career of nearly 36 years to fostering the continued growth of Lisle Corporation, which was founded in 1903. Fred has been the president of Lisle Corp. for the past nine years. He volunteered his time and expertise as an elected Trustee of Iowa Western Community College and put in extraordinary effort helping to build and promote the Iowa Western Center for Excellence in Manufacturing Program at the Clarinda campus. He was a former board member of the Automotive Sales Council and remained involved in the group as a long time member. It is hard to believe that he is gone. He was one great man, who besides keeping his family business and legacy alive, was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, community leader and any other superlative you can add on.
Did you ever know that Lisle is a family name? Throughout the years, most mechanics carry Lisle tools in their tool box or shop. I personally have known Fred for over 20 years and considered him a friend and business associate. The overwhelming outpouring of people from the town and business affiliates from near and far, paid testament to the great leader and person Fred was. The service was a celebration of his life and was one of the most moving services I have ever attended. The Church overflowed with family and friends to honor this great human being. My sincerest condolences to his family on the passing of such a great man. He will be truly missed.
Sandor Epstein – President of Eppy’s Tool & Equipment Warehouse Inc.
April 05, 2018
