Bill Hoehn’s benches can be seen everywhere from campgrounds to gas stations to front porches and local fundraisers. Can, just shook his head. Instead, the reason is more pragmatic. “It’s hard to say no,” he said with a clipped chuckle escaping his lips. That’s not to say Hoehn isn’t a craftsman. He’s precise and exacting, inspecting his
dozens of timbers for the showiest grains, the right measurements, the right feel for every project. He used to make his benches with basswood, but switched to the red cedar for its unmistakable beauty and durability.
“Once people see red cedar, you ain’t gonna give ‘em no basswood,” he said. Each bench is cut and joined by hand. He applies four different grades of sandpaper and coats the finished product in a marine varnish that is resistant to weather. He figures he’s made about 430 benches since he started. And he’s got more to go. His workshop reads like a phonebook. Over there are the benches for the Pongratzes, the Hollerichs and one for the newlyweds Paul and Jane. In the corner is the bench for the Steen Ranch and another welcoming visitors to Kiesler’s Campground. He’s made benches for the Food-N-Fuel in Minnesota Lake and for Village East in Mankato. He’s got 60-some benches with friends and family in Omaha. And every year he donates a handful to veterans service clubs (including the Morson-Ario in Mankato), breast cancer benefits, the Pheasants Forever banquet and local fundraisers for families in need. The ones he does sell, he practically gives away for what he charges. A few hundred dollars will buy from Hoehn what
Hoehn said he prefers red cedar because, “It’s beautiful. No two trees are the same color.” MANKATO MAGAZINE • september 2012 • 37