(ONAWA, IA) The Rose family moved to Onawa, Iowa in 1968 and bought the local hardware store. Paula Rose took over the family business from her parents in 1990. Now after 41 years, Hardware Hank will have to close its doors for good. 

It isn't the economy that's forcing Paula Rose to close up shop - she's getting married next month. But the building's been on the market for three years. Without a buyer, Hardware Hank will be going out of business on May 30th. 

"They go out of their way to make sure you feel at home and to make sure you get what you need," says Hardware Hank customer Pam Nielsen.    

The quintessential family business offers customers convenience and a friendly smile.

"Just little things that make a difference in a small town," says Hardware Hank owner Paula Rose.

After her buyer backed out on closing day, Paula Rose decided Hardware Hank had to close.     

"I thought it would sell. I didn't think I'd have a problem selling it," says Rose.
 
"It would leave a huge gap on our Main Street," says Sara Struble, Monona County Economic Development.

As Paula moves on with married life, closing is inevitable without money.
             
"It's not that it didn't make it, it's that somebody else couldn't afford to buy it," says Nielsen.
 
But the community has stepped up to offer support to a potential buyer.
   
"We're able to offer them some key people here locally that would help them invest and keep the store open. So we really value this store," says Struble.

But will a potential buyer step up in time to keep the store open?

"Time will tell but I know the interest is there and if it does close, I see it reopening very soon after that," says Struble.

For now, Paula is preparing for the worst.

"Losing this in the community. That's going to be hard," says Rose.    

For better or worse, Onawa must remember: with every ending comes a new beginning.

Hardware Hank is still for sale until the end of May. Until then - and even after - the community and Monona County Economic Development will look for ways to keep it open and hopefully attract a buyer.

Reported by Erika Thomas. You can contact her at ethomas@kmeg.com.