Merlyn “Dutch” Honsbruch was a successful business owner who had a passion for racing. Honsbruch was most known for his Honsbruch Drug pharmacies and for his sponsorship of area racers.
Dutch and his wife Pat were married in 1942 in Washington DC. They made their home in Algona with Dutch opening the first of three drug stores in Algona. He also operated Honsbruch Drug pharmacies in Cherokee and Aurelia, IA.
Honsbruch began sponsoring race cars because he enjoyed the sport and wanted to promote his drug stores. Around 1961, Barry Hobbs of the Alta area piloted one of Honsbruch’s cars. In 1962, Honsbruch approached Algona’s Les Wildin to drive one of his race cars. Wildin, who already had a ride in a local car, recommended that Honsbruch ask Gene Schattschneider to drive.
It was during that 1962 season that Schattschneider and Honsbruch began a long association in racing. Honsbruch provided nearly everything that Schattschneider needed to race, including a place to work on the car, parts, supplies and more. Honsbruch also believed in a good looking race team by providing shirts and jackets to help with the image of the team.
Honsbruch and Schattschneider were not only close, they were a formidable combination. With Honsbruch providing many of the resources for Schattschneider to race, some of Gene Schattschneider’s best years were behind the wheel of the orange and blue number 56 with Honsbruch Drug on the side.
Kossuth County resident and 2008 Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame inductee Butch Householder also piloted the Honsbruch entry on occasion.
Both Dutch and his wife are now deceased.
