(Le Mars) — A good mechanic is often hard to find, and Le Mars is losing one of its long-time independent mechanics due to retirement. For more than 45 years, Tom Susemihl has been changing oil, repairing tires, pumping gas, installing car batteries, and generally keeping hundreds of customers’ vehicles in top shape and in running order. Wednesday, June 30th, marked the last day the Susemihl’s Uptown Auto Service Center located at the 100 block of Plymouth Street northwest was to be open. Beginning July 1st, the auto repair shop that so many Le Mars and area residents have come to depend upon will have its doors locked, while Susemihl begins his next journey of retirement. Susemihl says he thought about retiring for sometime.
Susemihl says he will miss seeing his loyal customers.
He says he couldn’t even guess as to how many cars he has serviced, or tires he repaired during his 45 years as a auto mechanic.
One change that Susemihl noted was when the decision was made to no longer pump gas for customers. Susemihl reflects on a time when he and his brother were in business together, and Le Mars had several company gas stations through out the community, now to be replaced by convenience stores that sell gasoline.
Susemihl’s Uptown Auto Service Center had been a part of the Standard Oil/Amoco franchise of gas stations. Susemihl talks about what lead him to becoming an auto mechanic.
Anyone that has visited Susemihl’s service station can easily see what is Tom’s passion and hobby…restoring old gasoline pumps. Susemihl has more than a dozen restored pumps in his lobby and in the service area. He says he more than likely will continue to restore older gasoline pumps. Susemihl says he will remain in the community and folks will still be able to see him, and if you miss seeing his smiling face, simply look at the mural next to his former service station. There, you will see a painting of Tom featured.
