BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC/Gray News) – In an extraordinary testament to dedication and passion, 94-year-old Ann I. Schroeder is retiring after an incredible 75 years with Davenport Spring Company.
She joined the company long before it became part of Mutual Wheel Group in the late 1990s.
Schroeder began his career with Davenport Spring Company in 1949 and remained there throughout his life.
“When I first started working there, I was serving customers, handling billing, and keeping all the books by hand,” Schroeder said.
Having grown up in a family involved in auto and truck parts, she was very familiar with the industry.
“My late husband was a racing driver. My father was in the trucking business, so it was a perfect fit for my career. I learned to drive trucks at an early age, and by the time I was 17 I started driving semis. I drove a truck. My dad taught me how to drive a semi, so I got used to it,” Schroeder said.
During her tenure, she experienced countless changes, but her dedication and passion never wavered.
“As time went on, things got faster and faster,” Schroeder said. “But the love for this job is what kept me coming back. There are days in your life when you don’t want to go to work. We all know that. But almost every day of my life, I go to work and… I wanted to.”
Schroeder emphasized the importance of finding joy in work.
“If you’re going to get a job, don’t stay in a job you hate. Find something that fits what you want to do and perform at your best in that job. Because if you’re in a job you don’t like, , because there is no way to do the job the right way,” Schroeder said.
Now that Schroeder is retired, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends.
“I was very selfish towards a lot of my friends. I didn’t have much time for them because I was always going to work. My job was my preference, so now I You should be able to make time for it.”
This milestone was celebrated with a heartfelt retirement party attended by over 100 colleagues, family and friends who came together to honor her incredible journey.
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