James “Jim” Lucas

September 20, 1955 – August 13, 2026

Celebrating a Life of Friendship, Laughter, and a Passion for Corvettes

James Carl Lucas, affectionately known as “Jimbo” to many, passed away unexpectedly on August 13, 2026, at his home in Johnston, Iowa, at the age of 70. A longtime member of the Corvette Club of Iowa (CCI), Jim was known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, love of horsepower, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jim grew up in Urbandale and graduated from Urbandale High School in 1973. He later attended motorcycle mechanic school at Scott Community College in the Quad Cities. A hardworking and dedicated individual, Jim spent his career in the steel industry, working for several companies, including John Deere and PDM-CB&I, before retiring in 2015.

Jim’s passion for Corvettes was unmistakable. A lifelong enthusiast and longtime member of the Corvette Club of Iowa, he took great pride in his cars, which were always spotless, powerful, and impossible to ignore. Whether arriving in his roaring Corvette or greeting friends with his signature booming “Howdy!”, Jim had a way of making his presence known.

For Jim, the Corvette Club of Iowa was about more than cars. It was about friendships, shared experiences, and being part of a community that appreciated the same enthusiasm for the open road. His humor, generosity, and outgoing personality made him a memorable part of the Corvette family.

Jim believed in doing things the right way, taking pride in what you owned, respecting others, and always being on time — preferably early! He was meticulous about his belongings, especially his vehicles, but he also knew how to enjoy life and never missed an opportunity for a little fun.

Beyond Corvettes, Jim loved horsepower in all its forms. He enjoyed riding ATVs, exploring the Oklahoma sand dunes, hunting, and following NASCAR. Music was another passion, particularly the Rolling Stones and AC/DC. He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Jim had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome. Beneath his tough exterior was a generous heart, and he was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Corvette enthusiasts. His playful teasing, colorful expressions, and unforgettable sense of humor were simply part of who he was.

Jim was known for his memorable sayings, including “Party on,” “Glad you got to see me,” and “That’s all, folks!” Those words perfectly captured his fun-loving spirit and the joy he brought to those around him.

The Corvette Club of Iowa is proud to honor Jim’s memory and celebrate his many years of friendship, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Corvette community. His love of horsepower, unforgettable personality, and genuine appreciation for his fellow enthusiasts will remain a cherished part of CCI’s history.

Forever remembered. Forever part of the Corvette family.

And in true Jimbo fashion — “Glad you got to see me. Party on.”

David “Doc” Ohmstede

December 13, 1952 – July 22, 2026

Celebrating a Life of Friendship, Innovation, and a Passion for Corvettes

David Charles “Doc” Ohmstede, a dedicated professional, automotive enthusiast, and valued member of the Corvette Club of Iowa, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Newton, Iowa, at the age of 73. His life was marked by a love of technology, automobiles, family, and the friendships he developed along the way.

Born on December 13, 1952, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, David grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Superior High School in 1972. He went on to earn a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Central Nebraska Community College in 1974, launching a lifelong career in television broadcasting and electronics.

David dedicated 48 years to the broadcasting industry, working at television stations in Iowa and Nebraska. In 1998, he took on the ambitious challenge of helping build KFPX Channel 39 from the ground up, remaining with the station until his retirement in 2022. His technical expertise and dedication earned him professional certification through the Society of Broadcast Engineers. He also operated his own business, Doc’s Repair Bench, where he put his knowledge and problem-solving skills to work.

David’s fascination with automobiles and technology extended well beyond his professional career. As an active member of the Corvette Club of Iowa, he enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for Corvettes, automotive innovation, and performance driving with fellow club members.

Autocross racing was one of David’s favorite automotive pursuits, allowing him to combine his love of cars with the excitement of competition. He also owned a unique Pulse Autocycle, a distinctive vehicle that reflected his appreciation for unusual engineering and automotive design.

For David, the Corvette Club of Iowa offered an opportunity to connect with others who shared his interests, enjoy automotive activities, and build lasting friendships. His enthusiasm for cars and technology was a natural fit within the Corvette community.

Outside of automobiles and electronics, David enjoyed gardening and took pride in growing a vegetable garden each year. He was also involved in the Society of Broadcast Engineers and was a proud member of the Nebraska Masonic Lodge in Hastings.

The Corvette Club of Iowa is proud to honor David “Doc” Ohmstede’s memory and celebrate his enthusiasm for Corvettes, passion for autocross, and the friendships he shared within our club. His curiosity, technical knowledge, and love of automobiles will remain a meaningful part of the CCI family.

Forever remembered. Forever part of the Corvette family.

Carl D. Moyer

June 19, 1941 – September 28, 2024

Carl D. Moyer, founder of Karl Chevrolet and the Karl Auto Group, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, surrounded by his family. A successful businessman, accomplished racer, and longtime supporter of the Corvette Club of Iowa, Carl leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Iowa’s automotive community.

Carl’s passion for automobiles began at an early age. He started his career at Herman’s Texaco, where he developed his skills in automotive sales and negotiation. By the age of 19, he had become a sales manager at Dick Walter Ford, setting the stage for an impressive career in the automobile industry.

On January 9, 1978, Carl founded Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, Iowa, beginning with a modest one-car showroom. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to customer service, he grew the business into one of Iowa’s most recognized automotive dealerships. In 1983, Karl Chevrolet moved to its well-known location at Oralabor Road and Delaware Avenue. Over the years, the Karl Auto Group expanded to include numerous businesses and hundreds of employees throughout Iowa.

Beyond his business success, Carl had a lifelong love of racing. As a young boy, he and his brothers eagerly listened to races at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. That early enthusiasm eventually led him to begin a professional drag racing career in 1986. He competed professionally until 2000 and continued racing with the DTRA beginning in 2001. His competitive spirit, attention to detail, and passion for motorsports were evident both on and off the track. Carl still holds NCCC National Drag Record.

Carl was also a valued supporter of the Corvette Club of Iowa for many years. Through his connection to Karl Chevrolet and his enthusiasm for America’s sports car, he supported the club and the Corvette community. His longstanding support and dedication to automotive enthusiasts are sincerely appreciated and will remain an important part of CCI’s history. 

While Carl achieved tremendous professional success, family always remained at the center of his life. Carl was known not only for his business accomplishments but also for his generosity, leadership, and willingness to help others. He was a mentor to many and believed in building lasting relationships with customers, employees, and friends.

The Corvette Club of Iowa is proud to honor Carl Moyer’s memory and recognize his many years of friendship and support. His entrepreneurial spirit, love of racing, and contributions to Iowa’s automotive community will continue to inspire generations of car enthusiasts.

Forever remembered. Forever part of the Corvette family.

Paul Wyman

September 2, 1949 – August 5, 2024

Paul was born on September 2, 1949, raised in Des Moines and graduated from North High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served from 1968 to 1972. He was very proud of his military service. He was a manager at Jacobson Warehouse Company for over 32 years and retired in 2005. He had two children from a prior marriage, and we were married in 1990 which combined our families and made us a family of six. He found out there were many challenges raising four teenagers but he was a great dad to all of them. He joined the Corvette Club of Iowa in 1995 and was very active. The offices he held were Governor, Vice President, Member-at-Large, and Competition Director. He worked as Competition Director for over 15 years and was very instrumental in all the events the club was involved in. He was usually the first one out in the morning at the track setting up for the day. He also maintained the timing trailer and made sure everything was ready for the racing season. His proudest accomplishments in the club were organizing the TP Roundup every fall to assist in the needs of veterans and Toys for Tots for the kids each November. He attended several NCCC conventions and for several years traveled to events to compete. He was also active in the Patriot Guard Riders , NRA and what many people did not know about Paul is he was a member of the Korn Patch Klowns. Yes, he was an official clown and participated in many events, especially loved the ones with the kids. He volunteered for many years at the VA Medical Center. He really enjoyed being around other veterans and talking to them about their military service. Paul passed away on August 5, 2024 and he is greatly missed by all who knew him. And as he said in closing ANCHORS AWEIGH!

Shawn Damon Christensen

September 28, 1968 – January 26, 2026

The Corvette Club of Iowa remembers Shawn Damon Christensen not only as a fellow Corvette enthusiast, but as a man whose life was built around service, friendship, and helping others whenever he could.

Shawn proudly served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, carrying that same sense of dedication and leadership into every part of his life. Whether he was supporting fellow veterans, volunteering in the community, or spending time with friends at club events, Shawn believed in showing up for people and making a difference. Within the Corvette community, Shawn was known for his enthusiasm, camaraderie, and love of the hobby. He enjoyed the friendships and experiences that came with being part of the Corvette Club of Iowa, where his presence, stories, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

One of Shawn’s greatest passions was supporting veterans and wounded service members. As a Warrior Leader with the Wounded Warrior Project, and through his volunteer work with the VA Hospital and Blue Star Mothers, he devoted countless hours to encouraging and supporting others who had served. Helping fellow veterans was never just a cause for Shawn — it was simply who he was.

Shawn also built strong friendships close to home. He was especially close with his neighbors in the cul-de-sac where he lived, always willing to lend a hand, help with a project, check in on someone, or be there whenever he was needed. He created the kind of neighborhood friendships that felt more like family, and his kindness and dependability left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Outside of his military and Corvette passions, Shawn loved bowling and the friendships and competition that came with it. Whether at the bowling alley, a car event, volunteering in the community, or helping a neighbor, Shawn valued loyalty, connection, and shared experiences.

Shawn passed away on January 26, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, fellow veterans, neighbors, and club members who will remember him for his generous spirit, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the people and causes he cared about most.

Ernest Wayne Weidmann

September 15, 1938 – June 10, 2025

Ernest Wayne Weidmann passed on June 10, 2025 at the age of 86.  Wayne was born on September 15, 1938 in Kansas City, Kansas.  After graduating from High School Wayne went on to earn his BA in Business Administration.  He worked many years as an accountant in New York, Maine, Washington and Iowa, retiring at age 75.

Wayne was a Mason and member of the Corvette Club of Iowa for more than 35 years.  He was the club’s webmaster for many years.  He loved anything related to engines and tinkering in the garage.  Wayne began buying corvettes in 1958 and had over 40 corvettes with his last a beloved 2020 orange Stingray. Wayne enjoyed drag racing, autocrossing, road ralleyes and car shows.  When he stopped competing, he was always ready to help run a competition event in whatever needed doing.  He and his friend Larry Marks would man a corner at an autocross with everyone saying there was a corner with over 160 years’ worth of experience.  Wayne had many strong friendships throughout his life, many stemming from a mutual love of Corvettes.

Wayne was a very generous individual.  He volunteered as a tutor for the Forest Ave Public Library, was involved with fund raising for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis and served as Treasurer for his community association.  He loved Bloody Mary’s, red velvet cake, Tasty Tacos, his family and friends as well as all cats, especially his own.  He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Save the Wave!

Paul Richard Reinhart

June 17, 1929 – October 14, 2022

Celebrating a Life Fueled by Passion for Corvettes and Racing

Paul Richard Reinhart, a lifelong automotive enthusiast and accomplished Corvette racer, passed away on October 14, 2022, at his home in Twain Harte, California.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Paul grew up working on his family’s farm before enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his service in Korea, he worked as a mechanic in the motor pool, developing skills that would shape his lifelong career and passion for automobiles.

Following his honorable discharge in 1954, Paul eventually moved to Oakland, California, where he worked as a mechanic at a Union 76 gas station. It was there that his interest in amateur auto racing took hold. When asked how he first became interested in racing, Paul simply replied, “I had a car!”

That enthusiasm led him to the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) West Coast racing circuit, where he competed in his 1957 Corvette. His talent behind the wheel earned him back-to-back B-Production championships in 1961 and 1962.

In 1963, Paul purchased a Corvette Z06, the sixth produced, and raced it during part of that season before moving on to another race car. With a growing family and the financial challenges of racing without sponsorship, Paul stepped away from competition in 1965.

But his love of racing never faded.

In the early 1980s, Paul discovered his former 1963 Z06 advertised for sale in a newspaper. He purchased and restored the car, returning to the track to compete in vintage racing events at legendary venues such as Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway.

Eventually, Paul sold the Z06 once again and restored another 1957 Corvette, which he continued racing until his retirement from competition in 2013. Even after hanging up his racing helmet, Paul remained a familiar face at racing events, enjoying time with the friends and fans who shared his enthusiasm.

Paul’s legacy is one of determination, mechanical skill, and an enduring love for the Corvette. From his Iowa roots to the racetracks of California, his remarkable journey reflects the passion for America’s sports car that brings Corvette enthusiasts together.

The Corvette Club of Iowa is proud to honor Paul’s memory and celebrate a life spent pursuing the thrill of the drive.

Forever remembered. Forever part of the Corvette family.