A big collection on a small scale: Kingsway resident has unique hobby
Loren Stier has always had driving in his veins. From milk trucks to school buses, Loren was never too far away from the steering wheel. Eventually, his passion for transportation was converted to a smaller scale, a 1/16 scale, to be exact. Loren is a collector of toys and replicas including antique cars, fire trucks, tractors, and more.
We are happy that Loren decided to call Kingsway Retirement Living his home, and we want to share his unique story. Loren has always been a resident of Belle Plaine, and that didn’t change when the time came for more care. He moved to Kingsway in 2019 after his wife Shirley was called home to Heaven. They were married for 66 years having four children, two foster children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Okay, back to the toys.
Loren’s toy collection began with three toy tractors from a hardware store. Throughout his 20-year career as a bus driver, Loren would often drive teams to sporting events around the state. During some downtime on a bus trip to Le Center, Minn., he noticed a hardware store that was going out of business and having a special sale. Out of curiosity, Loren stopped in. After getting past the usual merchandise, he noticed toy tractors.
Loren received his first toy tractor as a young boy, but had never had a collection, nor did he know anyone that collected toys. However, he recognized the value these special tractors had. He decided to buy three toy tractors that day. The next day, he went back to buy three more, and his hobby grew from there.
Although he purchased his first collectibles alone, he quickly learned that toy collecting is anything but a solitary endeavor.
“I’ve met some lifelong friends through toy collecting,” recalls Loren, with a smile. “The people you meet when you go to toy shows make it really special.”
While collecting, Loren traveled to toy shows around the Midwest and made friends from all over the country. Shirley even joined in on the fun, collecting dolls and accompanying him to toy shows. The treasures that Loren and his wife collected over several decades are now on display in the Loren Stier Museum, a privately managed space located in Belle Plaine, that is open to visitors upon request.
One especially unique piece of Loren’s collection is a rare replica of an early twentieth century Waterloo Boy, one of the first tractor models ever sold by John Deere. It’s one of only 19 ever made. Loren’s museum was named one of the three best private collector museums in the Midwest by Bill Vossler in his book ‘Toy Farm Tractors’ back in 1998, and today is one of the best in the country.
Loren remains proud of his collection, and even has a professionally printed book with photographs that showcase his extensive collection and tell his story. Soon he hopes to gather his fellow neighbors at Kingsway and take a bus trip to see his collection.
Kingsway is currently welcoming new residents. To learn more or schedule a tour today,
contact Alexa at 952-873-5900 or info@tlha.org.