Posted 6/6/01 Stranded fishermen find good people in North Branch To the editor: On Saturday, May 26, 2001, my truck failed to start as two of my friends and I were trying to drive home to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a ten-day fishing trip in Ontario.ÝThe walleye fishing was great and we were all smiles as we each expected to be home with our wives and family around 8 p.m. that evening.ÝBut after grabbing a late lunch at 2:15 p.m.,Ýmy fuel pump failed and my truck wouldnít start. After being turned down by numerous places who cited their ìservice department is closed until Tuesday,î (due to Memorial Day) we were getting a little uptight. But then we contacted Tom OíBrien at OíBrien's Auto Repair. Tom contacted his friend Chris, and those two outstanding men worked very hard to get my truck running. They stayed and worked until 8:30 p.m. that Saturday Night! This is well beyond what most folks will do for a stranger.ÝThey repaired my fuel pump well enough to get us home, and I had the fuel pump replaced here a few days later. The fee I was charged was more than fair.ÝI really didnít know how to say thanks to these guys for what they did and that is why I am writing you. I also want to thank Carrie Jorgenson and her friendly and understanding crew at Dairy Queen.ÝTwo employees were especially helpful and courteous: Ashley and Kelly. (A special thanks to both of them.)ÝThey let me use their cell phone so I could contact family and friends who were expecting us. They even brought the cell phone to me, in the street,Ýseveral times.ÝHow many companies do you know, who would allow this to be done for some out-of-state, stranded fishermen? I also want to thank the people at Dominos Pizza (located right behind Dairy Queen), who allowed us to sit in their dining area while we waited for our truck to be repaired.ÝPlus thanks to the guy ìwearing the Ford Hatî who stopped and took time to examine our fuel pump, just before it went to OíBrienís shop.ÝHe was a special person, too. Breaking down, on the road, on a Saturday afternoon is not fun.ÝBut the people from North Branch that we encountered were very special.ÝThey cared.ÝWe wonít forget any of them. There are many good people in the Midwest.ÝWhen you really need them, theyíll show up. They did for us, in North Branch, Minnesota. Sincerely, Mike Trachta with friends Tom Back and Everette Bowen, all from Cedar Rapids area (Fairfax and Palo) ©Post Review