T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ — For Teresa Kline, finding a purpose in life is also the key to having a happy life. Now, she’s found joy in operating her own ice cream truck — Mom’s Ice Cream — which travels the area selling sweet treats.

For Teresa Kline, finding a purpose in life is also the key to having a happy life.

“I’ve been on disability for almost the last 30 years. I was (rear ended) by a semi,” she said.

Now, she’s found joy in operating her own ice cream truck — Mom’s Ice Cream.

Kline took over the running of the ice cream truck after its previous long-time owner, located in the Tama area, retired.

“Her health was not good so she had to sell. She had over 100 people apply to get it and I managed to be picked,” Kline said.

Kline, a Marshalltown native, graduated from MHS in 1985. She worked for years in nursing, and for a time, operated a floral/gift shop.

The injuries she sustained in that long-ago accident, still linger.

“I have trouble using my hands because of how hard my hands hit the dashboard,” she said. “I went back to work three different times, trying anything to be productive.”

Mom’s Ice Cream sets up shop each Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Market, formerly the Marketplace at the Mall, held at the Fisher Community Center parking lot, now through October.

The ice cream she sells is all pre-packaged. She specializes in Blue Bunny ice cream novelties, as well as Good Humor frozen treats and popsicles, plus water and T-shirts.

“Nothing really worked until this. There would be too much prep for a food truck. I feel so blessed. All the kids and their smiles make my day. You cannot be in a bad mood,” she said.

As sole-proprietor, Kline goes around Central Iowa, setting up shop at various locales. She posts where she will be on any given day on her business Facebook page. She can also be located using the app “Ice Cream Please.”

Kline said she enjoys providing ice cream for special occasions such as graduation and birthday parties.

She may be reached at 515-822-1585.