It’s hard to believe that what you start today could help pave a path for 63 years and help multiple generations. 

In 1959, Dick Lingenfelter started working as a draftsman for Caterpillar Tractor Company at the Mossville plant. This position allowed him to provide for his family, but like many, he yearned for more. At that time, Guy Welch owned “Welch Insurance” here in Chillicothe. Guy noticed Dick taking his family to church, and they soon developed a friendship. In 1960, Dick and his wife (Nancy) started working in the insurance business with Guy while also maintaining his position at Caterpillar. Nancy was, and still is the bookkeeper in the agency.  After working part-time in the insurance business for many years, in 1971 Dick took the plunge and left Caterpillar to be a full-time insurance agent. The agency was then named “Lingenfelter Insurance.” This was a better fit for Dick’s outgoing personality, and this change allowed for more community and church involvement. 

Like most businesses, there’s been a lot of change over the years. It used to take weeks of research to get answers to insurance questions; now answers come in a few minutes. People now buy insurance from strangers on the internet rather than the face-to-face meeting that used to be required. Dick decided to keep the personal attention and to continue with the way he did business for years. Not only did his business practices not change, but the business is also still located at 810 N. 4th Street in Chillicothe, where it has stood since the beginning, in a corner of their home. I was surprised to hear that a large bulk of their insurance business is catered to churches. Churches have unique needs for insurance and Dick Lingenfelter has specialized in these needs. They also fulfill the needs of small businesses and personal insurance when the opportunity presents itself. 

In 1976, Dick and Nancy’s daughter, Becci, joined the family business and then in 1987 their son, Rick, came into the business as well. For the past several years Dick, Nancy, along with Rick and Becci, tended to their customer’s needs together. Rick and Becci continued the legacy until 2019 when Josh (Rick’s son) decided to join the family business after attending the University of Illinois where he studied Actuarial Science. Josh also has a son, so there might be a 4th generation in the Lingenfelter insurance agency someday. 

The pandemic was difficult for many businesses and the insurance business also faced challenges. Dick spent some extra time relaxing, and he soon realized that he enjoyed having some distance from the business. Maybe it was time for him to slow down a bit and enjoy the fruits of his labor but Nancy has maintained her position as the bookkeeper. 

When I asked Rick and Josh about the future of the insurance business, they quickly pointed out the change in the weather patterns and the effects on the insurance claims. Not only do we get more harsh weather, but we also have higher repair costs due to increased cost of labor and material.

Dick Lingenfelter couldn’t predict the future in 1960 but he did start the wheels in motion that would carry three generations unbeknownst to him at that time. Like many businesspeople, he just wanted a way to feed his family. Now 63 years later, you’ll notice the “Lingenfelter” name on community events. What started to feed a family has turned into a legacy that continues to help the community today through generosity and kindness. 

If you’re shopping for insurance and like the old fashion service, Lingenfelter Insurance Agency might be worth a look. They’ll help you determine the protection you need and review the costs. You’ll be assured old fashion service from someone in your community.