KIELER—For a rural Cuba City family, a 70th birthday party was made special by an unexpected gift.
On June 17, the Hinderman family gathered in Kieler to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary and a couple of birthdays, particularly Bob Hinderman’s 70th birthday. His four grown children, who had planned the entire party, had a surprise for him.
At the park in Kieler, the family was told to gather around for the reveal of Bob Hinderman’s gift. His children all rode out in a blue 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 convertible driven by Terry Ginter. As they parked the car in front of the crowd, Bob and his wife, Cathy, thought they were being treated to a ride in a luxury car for the day.
“There was something about the big silver bow on the hood that began to tell another story,” Cathy Hinderman said. “The car was given in total love and much surprise to Bob Hinderman. He had dreams of owning a convertible for many of his younger years.”
The car made many runs around the area to give all of the party-goers a chance to ride that day.
Cathy said the car was purchased by Terry Ginter. Two of her children, Kevin and Colleen, restored the car in Texas before hauling it to Wisconsin, storing it in George and JoAnne Hoppenjan’s garage overnight and showing it off at the party.
“So much fun went into the fixing and repairing and the anticipation of the moment they’d actually give their dad his car,” Cathy said.
The car was originally brown, which they repainted a vibrant blue. Other parts of the car were replaced to bring it to mint condition.
“The day was filled with many hugs, much love and laughter and just sheer unbelief,” Cathy said. “There were tales of how it all came together and of course many test runs with new passengers each time. Some of the young grandchildren didn’t want to give up their seats.”
She said it has sparked many joy-filled memories. They keep finding out more details about how the car took shape.
“The summer weather has been just perfect for so many adventures out in our newly named ‘Blue Bonnett,’” Cathy said.
“Thanks is not a big enough word for everyone who gave their blood, sweat, tears and man hours.”
