It seems like there have been few editions in recent days that haven't included at least one news story about someone retiring from their job in Monroe.
Barbers Gay Swenson and Mort Wittwer will retire together on Dec. 31 from their places at Swenson's Barber Shop on 16th Avenue just south of Monroe's Square.
Keith Ingwell retired Tuesday as Green County Veterans Service officer.
An open house is being held Friday to honor longtime Green County Family YMCA Executive Director Reid Stangel, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Today's edition has a story about Jerry Ellefson, who, along with two other staff members, is retiring from his work at the City of Monroe's wastewater treatment plant.
What's interesting isn't so much that all of these people are retiring from their jobs. No, it's the longevity of each in their position that draws attention.
Combined, Swenson and Wittwer have been cutting hair for more than 100 years. That's right, 100 years.
Ellefson has worked at the wastewater treatment plant since 1968. That's 41 years. When he started, he was the only person at the plant. Today, he's the superintendent and there are 10 people employed there.
Ingwell has spent nearly 32 years as the county's Veteran Service officer.
And Stangel, the relative pup of the group, has been at the Green County YMCA for 23 years.
For most of us, it's hard to imagine being in any position for 30 or 40 years, let alone a position of authority with leadership responsibilities. Many of us move from job to job, place to place, with frequency.
So congratulations on your retirements, Gay, Mort, Keith, Jerry and Reid. And congratulations on sticking it out for far longer in your posts than most of us could fathom working. Longevity and commitment still are worth something.
Barbers Gay Swenson and Mort Wittwer will retire together on Dec. 31 from their places at Swenson's Barber Shop on 16th Avenue just south of Monroe's Square.
Keith Ingwell retired Tuesday as Green County Veterans Service officer.
An open house is being held Friday to honor longtime Green County Family YMCA Executive Director Reid Stangel, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Today's edition has a story about Jerry Ellefson, who, along with two other staff members, is retiring from his work at the City of Monroe's wastewater treatment plant.
What's interesting isn't so much that all of these people are retiring from their jobs. No, it's the longevity of each in their position that draws attention.
Combined, Swenson and Wittwer have been cutting hair for more than 100 years. That's right, 100 years.
Ellefson has worked at the wastewater treatment plant since 1968. That's 41 years. When he started, he was the only person at the plant. Today, he's the superintendent and there are 10 people employed there.
Ingwell has spent nearly 32 years as the county's Veteran Service officer.
And Stangel, the relative pup of the group, has been at the Green County YMCA for 23 years.
For most of us, it's hard to imagine being in any position for 30 or 40 years, let alone a position of authority with leadership responsibilities. Many of us move from job to job, place to place, with frequency.
So congratulations on your retirements, Gay, Mort, Keith, Jerry and Reid. And congratulations on sticking it out for far longer in your posts than most of us could fathom working. Longevity and commitment still are worth something.
