Review Staff Writer

It was a fairly balmy day, with temps hitting the twenties, when we caught up with Glen Hoffer at the Adrian Post Office.  The rural mail carrier will retire at the end of this year, having worked thirty years for the U.S. Postal Service.  "I could have retired earlier this year, " says Hoffer, "but I wasn't quite ready."  Noting the weather the past week, Hoffer gives a chuckle, saying, "I'm ready now."

  In the late 1970s, Hoffer was working as an auto mechanic.  Then, in February 1980, he started working for the U.S. Postal Service part-time as a rural carrier substitute in Rushmore.  In October 1984 he became a full-time rural carrier, assigned to Rushmore's route #1.  Two years later he went to work for the Adrian Post Office, where his first route was #3, the Adrian/Lismore area.  In 1997 he switched to route #1, the Adrian/Magnolia area. 

  Hoffer has enjoyed his years as a rural carrier, mentioning some of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.  "As a rural postal carrier, we get to be our own bosses out on the road," says Hoffer, "we make our own decisions."  He also mentions that they [rural carriers] are very fortunate to work in the Midwest, where the patrons are very nice and helpful.  "I remember one time, during those first years, when my car got stuck in the snow on a county road.  Don Schutz came by and stopped, got out a chain, hooked my car to his pickup, and pulled me out.  He wouldn't take any money, just said, 'no problem.'  Everyone is nice out here and ready to help if we have trouble."   What will not be missed?  "Winter and snow!" exclaims Hoffer.

  When asked about changes over the years, Hoffer notes that while automation has changed the way things are done, other changes have been more significant.  "Cars in general are more reliable nowadays," says Hoffer, "we use our own cars and vehicles have gotten better over the years."  Hoffer also notes that communication has changed, with cell phones making it easier to stay in touch, or get help when needed.  With few changes, Hoffer points out that he enjoyed the consistency of the rural carrier job.

  Hoffer mentions that another highlight of the job was the great coworkers he has had over the years.  He has worked for three Postmasters - Ed Lutmer, Karen Huisman and Merlin Wynia.  The other rural carriers have been working for many years and Hoffer mentions what a great bunch of people they are, including the substitute carriers.  "Everyone has been good to work with," says Hoffer.

  Now, as his final days as a rural carrier are here, what comes next for this husband, father of two and grandfather of four?  "My wife, Mick, and I like to travel, so we'll be doing that.  No doubt going to visit our grandchildren," says Hoffer.  He also sees himself returning to work perhaps part-time in the automotive industry as a mechanic, a long time hobby of his.  "I have a chance to go to NY during the summer of 2010 to do some high speed driving," says Hoffer, looking forward to the opportunity.