Dead Mom Stored In Basement Freezer Inspires Car Magnet

[matcom]

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He didn't even want to design them at first.

Dan Gabel started Global Graphic Solutions LLC earlier this year, making magnets for refrigerators and cars. He also designs signs, banners and posters, offering images from yellow smiley faces to catfish to American flags.

But one of his most popular products now is a 7-by-4-inch vehicle magnet in the shape of a chest freezer, its lid slightly open, bearing the message: "What's in your freezer? French Island, WI."

The magnets are a reference to Philip J. Schuth, who revealed during a 14-hour police standoff in April that he had kept the body of his mother, Edith, in a basement chest freezer since her death Aug. 15, 2000. An autopsy revealed the 90-year-old woman died of natural causes.

The idea for the magnet design came from Gabel's nephew, French Island resident John Wesley, who explained, "The idea popped into my head and I said, ‘Who wouldn't buy one?'"

Wesley said he put a spin on the phrase, "What's in your wallet?" frequently said in Capital One credit card commercials. He asked his uncle to make him some magnets, and quickly sold 50 at work. He thought they would just be an inside joke for people who live on the island, and is surprised they've become popular elsewhere.

Gabel said the fact Schuth doesn't appear to have any immediate family also played a role in his decision.

Schuth's attorney, public defender Tom Locante, has not seen the magnets and had no comment on them.

Terry Malszycki, a detective-sergeant with the Campbell Police Department, also has not seen the magnets but has heard comments about them around town. "It's kind of depressing that people want to make money off of something unfortunate that has happened," Malszycki said.

Gabel said he is surprised more people don't find them offensive.

"Everybody that has seen them has laughed," Gabel said. "I've never gotten a bad reaction."

He uses a press to imprint and cut designs onto long sheets of magnets. He charges $1.25 apiece wholesale, and estimates he's sold nearly 300 of the magnets, although he's not seen many on cars. Gable sells mainly through word-of-mouth but also at area businesses like Champion Auto Stores.

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2005/07/03/news/z00magnets.txt

[matcom]

1. .

[Zuni]

2. I have been looking for a refrigerator magnet like that

:o