In the front of Clayton and Mabel Linn’s home is a tall oak. Clayton can recall when he first planted an acorn in the spot where the sturdy tree now stands. “I knew that when I could rest beneath the shade of that tree, that was when I could retire,” he said. Today the tree provides shade to the winged creatures who are frequent guests at the Linn’s bird feeder and bath. But the Linn family roots are more firmly planted in Kimball history than even that sturdy old oak is planted in Kimball soil. It is for this reason that the couple was selected to represent the city as grand marshals in the Grande Day Parade. According to Deb Reinert, co-planner of the Kimball Days activities, it was a recommendation by Andy Maus that motivated the committee to nominate the Linns for grand marshals. “They have been a part of the community for a long time,” Reinert said. “So they are good representation for the city.” After receiving a call from the committee and consulting with her husband, Mabel told the committee they would accept the distinction. “I was really surprised,” Clayton said. “We were honored,” Mabel added. The couple has had a long history of community involvement. Both were active in the school district; Clayton as a teacher, and Mabel as a nurse for 15 years. Clayton served Kimball as a postmaster, and the United States in the military. Mabel was an active member of city council and both she and Clayton enjoyed sports. “Clayton and Mabel coached softball for about 20 or 30 years,” said Andy Maus, Kimball resident and friend. “I was on one of Clayton’s teams and some of my sisters were on Mabel’s.” According to Maus, this is the year for the Linns to be recognized in the parade. “It’s their turn,” he said. “Anytime anybody needed help, they’ve been there and they never turned down anybody for anything. They’ve always been very supportive of the community, very active in church functions and willing to take on any leadership roles.” Clayton and Mabel have five children and a number of grandchildren with whom they love to spend their time. They also enjoy playing cards, dining with friends and family and identifying the birds that find respite beneath Clayton’s oak. They look forward to Kimball Days because the celebration reunites them with a lot of old friends. “It seems like in small towns, you’re expected to leave,” Clayton said. “That’s why Kimball Days is important; it brings everyone back and we get to see people we haven’t seen for a long time. It used to be that everyone came into town on Saturday nights to do their shopping, then you could catch up. I miss that.” Today, as many less populous rural areas are being assimilated into bigger cities, Mabel hopes that people will soon recognize the advantage of small communities. “I really hope that small communities don’t disappear,” she said. “Our kids here have so much to offer. They have learned so many lessons here, and they know how to live together and work together. That’s something a lot of other communities could benefit from.” Honor the couple who has made an enduring impact on Kimball and touched the lives of so many in the community at the Grande Day Parade, where Clayton and Mabel Linn will be representing Kimball on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m.
