The wait is over! After a paperwork delay delayed the opening, Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson will hold a soft opening today, December 19, 2024, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Stop by and meet David Wiebler and visit the former Reiman’s Harley-Davidson employees. Transactions will likely be cash only until all business systems are up and running, according to a post by Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson.
“Thank you to Dennie, Diane, Scott and the entire Packee Family for your contributions to motorcycling in Central Illinois and your stewardship of the rich Reiman’s History. We are happy to keep this Harley Dealership continuing to operate as a family business, ran by motorcyclists for motorcyclists!”
The Wiebler Family Partnership announced yesterday that it has acquired Reiman’s Harley-Davidson in Kewanee, and will become Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson. This is the second dealership for the family and will join Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson in Peoria. Just like Roger Reiman and then The Packee Family, the Wiebler family has owned Harley-Davidson dealerships for decades. “The Wiebler Family has been involved in the motorcycle business since 1951 when Wayne Wiebler went to work for Bruce Walters at Walters Brothers Harley-Davidson, which he purchased from Bruce and Gladys Walters in 1979. Over 74 years later, Wayne and his wife Jacki, sons Steve and Stann, and grandchildren Tiffany and David, along with our outstanding team of employees continue to build on the legacy and family tradition.”
The Wiebler family has owned other dealerships in the past, including Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson in Davenport, Iowa and Wieb’s Roadhouse Harley-Davidson in Princeton, Illinois. “Recent years have seen a shift to corporate owned Harley-Davidson Dealerships and when we met with the Packee Family to discuss the future of this dealership, it was clear that both families wanted to see this dealership remain a local, family-owned motorcycle business. Growth is on our mind, but, we also intend to honor the rich history of Reiman’s Harley-Davidson by maintaining the Roger Reiman Museum [presented by Dennie Packee] inside of the new location. We look forward to maintaining a family-focused business with the current employees at the heart of motorcycling in Central Illinois. This dealership was an ideal fit thanks to its dedicated employees who understand the importance of excellence in customer service and I’m proud to add this dealership to our family. This dealership has a tremendous growth-ready infrastructure that we are thrilled about. Kewanee is a vibrant city, and we are excited to be part of this community.” said Wayne Wiebler, CEO of the Wiebler Family Partnership.
Dennis Packee has talked about retiring for years. After Scott Packee sold his successful line of car washes earlier this year, the time was right to sell the dealership and retire. Dennis said he may have sold the dealership, but he has plenty to do to stay busy. Scott announced the sale of the dealership on Facebook and said he is ready to go fishing with his dad and sons. Scott said he wants to spend time with his dad and do things, like go fishing, that they didn’t have time for while running successful businesses. Dennis promised Roger Reiman that the Packee Family will forever own the Reiman’s name, which is why the dealership was renamed to Wiebler’s. Although you remain busy, enjoy your retirement Dennis Packee.