Genie and I attended the retirement celebration for Paul Proft—newly retired Thrivent representative—at his church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, in Owatonna on June 22. After 37 years, Paul has found a new source of income: namely, Social Security. He thanked all those currently employed and contributing to Social Security, which is part of his retirement package.
Bob Goetz, Bob Hanson, Ross Heilman and Gary Oliver were present to protect their fishing concerns. They wanted to be sure Paul’s CEO (Julie) left time on her “honey do” list for Paul to go fishing with them.
This was a most enjoyable retirement celebration, as the emphasis was not only on Paul retiring but also a family gathering to honor the occasion. A musical worship service was followed by dinner and program. The family roasted Paul with lost of laughter, music, stories and surprises. Paul’s 93-year-old, spry and alert father sang along with his daughters (Paul’s sisters) as they reminisced family memory lane.
Paul and Julie’s children all live in Owatonna, including the grandchildren. How many families do you know where three generations all live in the same town? (I don’t know any.) That is what made Paul’s retirement celebration a great family gathering.
As Paul and Julie were thanking all for coming, a male attendee asked Paul when was the next time he was going fishing with the guys that were there. His reply was, “As soon as there is safe ice this winter.”
A female attendee asked Julie when they were going south for the winter. Her reply was, “As soon as Paul gets back from ice fishing.”
Paul and Julie, from Genie and I: many thanks for the great memories and the good times to be had in the future.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.