[Editor’s note: Lenny Stracke’s Downtown Barbers and Stylist has closed up shop after 43 years of service in downtown Perry at 1222 Second St. Nick Stracke, Lenny’s son, addressed the following letter to his father’s — and his family’s — many loyal friends and customers.]
To the Perry community:
How do you say thank you to a community that has supported my family throughout the years? I will do my very best to do that with these words. This is a “Thank you” to all the people of Perry and the people who are more than friends. They are family.
The Perry community has been a part of my family’s life for decades. Through the decades, people have come to lay down roots in Perry like my family. My mom, Ellen, was born and raised here. She met my dad, Lenny, while he was working at Clark Dorman’s barbershop underneath the McClintock dentist office, where she worked after he came back from serving honorably in the Vietnam War.
In 1975 my dad bought the Tommy Scherman barbershop, which is known today as the infamous Downtown Barbers and Stylist. In today’s world, it is something very special to have owned your own business for more than 43 years, a staple in the Perry community.
During his 43 years of service, my dad has had the honor and privilege to work with some amazing people: Tommy Sherman, Frank Schomers, Patty Deeth, Sharon Johnson, Dave Buger, Rick Stoner, Sue Andrews, Kelly Castell, Randy Peel, Brian Garrett, Dee VanScoy and Danielle Fee.
Dad learned a lot from Frank. When he bought the shop, Frank stayed on and continued to cut hair until he was 88.
I am now 40 years old, and I am a very proud father of a son of my own. My sister, Stacey, has her own son and daughter, and I am a very proud uncle, known as Uncle Buddy. Our kids’ first long locks of hair were cut by their Papa at the shop.
Many other families in Perry grew up with my dad cutting their hair and eventually cutting their children’s hair as well. Downtown Barber and Stylists has had many generations walk through its doors.
An interesting fact, in all of my 40 years on this earth, I have only had my hair cut twice by someone other than my dad. The only reason for those two haircuts was because I lived in Arizona.
All good things come to an end, and it is time to hang up the clippers.
My family and I want to thank you for supporting Downtown Barbers and Stylist for all these years. We cannot put into words the gratitude we have for the continued loyalty and the friendships that have been made in the community of Perry.
Coming to the shop has helped my parents raise my sister and I. They made a wonderful life, full of happiness, laughter and, most of all, love.
With gratitude and love,
Lenny and Ellen Stracke of Perry
Nick and Chase Stracke of Ankeny
Stacey, Aaron, Dominic and Ava Massey of Marion
I went to school with Marvin and Donald and can see the family resemblance to them, especially Nick. I am so glad that your family stayed around Perry because it was a wonderful town to grow up in! I’m sure it is hard to give up your business, but retirement is fun, too! 🙂
Since I was a mere lad, I’ve gone to this location. Tommy and Frank. Then this new guy named Lenny comes in. I remember asking specifically for him to cut my hair right before my senior pictures were taken right across the street at Dorman studio. Other than when Lenny was recovering, I’ve never had a pair of hands touch this head for a haircut. It wasn’t just because he does a GREAT job. I considered him a close friend and am tearing up a bit as I write this. Mr. Stracke, thank you for choosing Perry as your home. Thanks for being a great barber…. and a great dad…. fantastic grandpa and wonderful friend. The best to you in your retirement!
Thank you, Pat, for being part of our lives for all these years. Love you.
Good luck, Lenny, and enjoy retirement.
Thanks for your years of service and for being such a good friend. I will miss your phone calls! LOL
Nick, thank you for such a lovely article. Your Pops is one of a kind! Best wishes to all of you!