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| Retirement check is in the mail |
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| News | |||
| Written by Brian McCauley | |||
| Wednesday, 25 November 2009 08:00 | |||
For the better part of the past three decades, Rolland Prothe has been delivering mail to Paola residents and Fred Katzer has been making sure things go smoothly back at the Post Office, but on Friday, both were together as they took a well-earned step into retirement.  Prothe and Katzer both started at the post office about 25 years ago, so many who attended their retirement celebration at the post office annex Friday felt it fitting that they would be leaving together as well. “We want to thank you for all your hard work,” said delivery supervisor Alletta Dickson. “We wish you lots of luck and hope you enjoy your retirement.” After starting his postal career in Kansas City, Kan., about 24 years ago, Prothe took a job as a letter carrier in Paola, and he has held that position ever since. Standing alongside his wife Betty, Rolland shared with his colleagues stories about his 24 years of postal service. During his tenure with the post office, Rolland said he became good friends with the customers on his route, which covered Baptiste Drive and northern parts of the city. The U.S. Post Office’s carriers are famous for delivering through rain, sleet and snow, and Rolland is no exception. He said he remembered walking the length of Baptiste Drive when the snow was too deep to drive, and he also remembered using special shoes to trudge up an icy hill to complete his route. Despite the sometimes difficult delivery conditions, Rolland said he loved his route because of the people. “Some would have a cold drink for you, and I would get cookies at Christmas,” Rolland said. “I even got cards after having shoulder surgery this year.” The surgery has kept Rolland from working his route recently, and it’s another reason he is looking forward to easing up and enjoying his retirement by farming and spending time with his soon-to-be-born first grandchild. Fred, who shared some stories of his own Friday along with his wife Diana, wasn’t entirely sure what his retirement plans would entail, but he had plenty of people to get advice from, as some of the previously-retired postal workers stopped by the annex Friday for the party. “It’s a good move,” said Dave Lemings, who worked with both Fred and Rolland and retired himself about 18 months ago. “It’s the best job you’ll ever have,” said Leroy Moore, who worked for the post office for 30 years before retiring in 1992. Fred said he learned a lot from his old co-workers, such as Claude Taylor, who worked for the post office for 29 years before retiring in 1992. “One day, I forgot to bring a pen in, and Claude Taylor told me I might as well not put on my pants either, because they are just as important,” said Fred, who worked as a clerk and was constantly filling out some form of paperwork. Fred must have taken the advice to heart, as his breast shirt pocket had four pens in it on Friday. For now, Fred is just going to enjoy not having to worry about such things anymore. “People keep asking me what I am going to do with all my free time. Well, for the next six months, I’m going to sit and watch the birds,” Fred said. Both Fred and Rolland agreed that the part they’ll miss most about the post office is the people they worked with, even if they can be a bit ornery at times. “Hey Rolland, you’re not in uniform,” a colleague jokingly called out toward his friend wearing comfortable street clothes Friday at the annex. Rolland simply smiled and replied, “Yeah, I’m in uniform — my new uniform.”
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