| Fred's
Body Shop to celebrate 60th anniversary
Idaho County Free Press “I learned from my dad, hands-on, in the shop,” Rod said. Fred Behler opened Fred’s Body Shop Sept. 21, 1959. He, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Behler, was born and raised in Ferdinand, and lived in Lewiston at the time. He brought 15 years of auto body experience to the business and moved his wife, Norma, and family, to Cottonwood. After Rod graduated from Prairie High School, he spent three years in the Navy as a diesel mechanic. “Like most people, I wanted to get out of there for a while and see the world,” he said. “Then I realized how fortunate I was to be able to live in Idaho County.” Rod and June Hinkleman began dating in 1979 and were married in 1981. They took over Fred’s Body Shop April 1, 1985. June now works fulltime at St. Mary’s Hospital and also keeps the books at Fred’s. “Owning our own business has offered flexibility in many ways,” she said. “It allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom for many years and has provided well for our family.” In 2009, when the Behlers celebrated the shop’s 50th anniversary, they had no way of knowing it would be the last time Fred would be in the shop. He died days after the celebration and Norma followed just a few months later. “It was a very special time, looking back now,” June said. Rod said the biggest changes in the industry have been those from the simple engines to the electronic age. “We’ve learned hands-on, as things have changed, with the help of a few classes,” he said. Aside from the Behlers, the work crew includes Shawn Mager, who has been at the shop a decade, and Clancy Slichter, who worked for the business in the past came back full time in the spring. “I have always enjoyed the people I work for and being able to offer them good, quality service – that’s the best part of the job, seeing satisfied customers,” Rod said. The Behlers have raised four children – three daughters and a son – and have 12 grandchildren. When they are not busy with work, the Behlers enjoy camping, boating and spending time with family. Rod served 34 years on the Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Department, 25 years as chief, and also enjoys trapshooting. June is an avid flower gardener and walker. “We are very blessed to serve this community and the whole Camas Prairie,” June added. Fred’s is a full-service body shop and can be reached by calling 208-962-3171. 
Fred’s Body Shop is celebrating their 60th anniversary this month. They will have an open house next open house Friday, Sept. 20, starting at 4 p.m. The community is invited to stop by to visit and share refreshments. Shown from left are owners June and Rod Behler with Clancy Slichter and Shawn Mager. Photo by Lorie Palmer, Idaho County Free Press. 
June and Rod Behler with Norma and Fred Behler seated in front. This photo was taken at the 50th anniversary celebration of the business. |
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