New owner at Waupaca truck stop
By Holly Neumann
After 47 years of service, Jim and Dianna Klismet, and family, have sold their businesses.
Marty and Danyelle Dockter and Jake Lamb are the new owners of Three Squares Restaurant, Waupaca Mobil Travel Center, the car wash, office building and Waupaca Mobil Eastside Express.
The Klismets moved to the Waupaca area from Des Moines, Iowa, in pursuit of Jim’s dream of owning his own business.
“He was working for Woolco at the time, and he said, ‘you know what I just want to get out of here, buy a business and move closer to our hometown of Stevens Point,’” said Dianna. “We started looking and it did not materialize at first.”
They later made an offer on a small restaurant in rural Iowa.
“The closing day was coming up,” said Dianna. “And Jim told me he wanted to wait another day. Then we got a phone call about the truck stop.”
They had limited resources at the time, but they made it work, purchasing the truck stop on Dec. 16, 1976.
“I never dreamed that it would become what it is today,” said Jim. “Being a part of the Waupaca community has been everything. If it wasn’t for their support we would not be here today.”
He noted to how important it was to have their sons Kurt, Todd, Steve, Jamie and Scott involved in the business.
“They have all spent a lot of time here,” said Jim. “We could not have done it without them.”
One thing that has remained constant is their loyalty to the community.
Community
“The people are the reason why we were able to grow our business,” said Steve. “They have been there for us for our ups and downs and we pride ourselves for being there for them as well. Our parents taught us to rally around them. If there is something that you can do, you do it.”
Over the years, the family has also been involved in the library, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, schools, St. Mary Magaldene’s Catholic Church and more.
Without a doubt, they are going to miss the people the most.
“We have seen generations of family come through those doors,” said Jim. “We would like to thank the public and our past and present employees that have touched our lives.”
“The people really made an impact,” added Jamie Klismet. “They made a difference and taught us a lot.”
“It’s been a wild ride,” said Todd Klismet. “There was nothing like being a teenager when CB radios and things like Convoy and Smokey and the Bandit were on TV, plus your dad owns the truck stop.”
Todd has worked as the accountant for the business for many years.
“I am sure I’m going to miss it,” he said. “I told my dad I was going to retire when he did. I have worked 365 days a year, so I am going to take some substantial time off to refocus and re-center, from there who knows.”
“We grew up here,” said Steve. “There were plenty of wild experiences, but dad always knew if we had gotten in trouble.”
As for Jim and Dianna, they are looking forward to some time to relax.
“I hope to write a book,” said Jim. “And am also looking forward to enjoying time with my wife and family.”
“We are going to relax and enjoy life and be thankful for what we have,” said Dianna. “God has been very good to us.”
Steve, along with his wife Carol, and their children will continue to run the repair, towing and trucking business.
“We are super proud of them,” said Dianna. “Our legacy will continue.”