10 years with Jackson's

Don Geffe recently celebrated 10 years with Jackson's.  He works primarily in the Machine Shop, but is also a talented welder and has a special "knack" for figuring out difficult issues with equipment.  Employees enjoyed cake & ice cream in honor of Don's 10 years with Jackson's.

Dick McGee celebrates 20 years

Dick McGee celebrated 20 years at Jackson Lumber Harvester Company, Inc., on Monday, January 26.  He has been a sales consultant for us since he was hired in 1989.

Dick has been responsible mainly for sales in the U.S., with a concentration on the north-central states.  Upon occasion, he has gotten involved in foreign business as well.

We had a pizza party for all employees, who helped Dick celebrate.  Retired employees were also invited as special guests and Vern Snider was in attendance.  Dan Meis, president of the corporation, presented Dick with a plaque commemorating his 20 years with the company.

Tom Meis & Dick McGee reminisced at the employee party about specific jobs back when Dick started.  Commenting on Dick's achievements over the years, Margi Meis said, "Dick has natural God-given talents in the area of salesmanship.  These gifts he has successfully put to use here at Jackson, which has benefited all of us."

Dick considers Mondovi his "home town," having been reared in this area.  He & his wife, Gail, also raised in Mondovi, currently reside in Eau Claire.  They are the parents of two grown daughters.

Former employee passes away

Muriel A. Smith, 91 of Wausau, WI and formerly of Mondovi, WI, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2008.  Muriel was the secretary at Jackson's in 1970 and 1971.  Her husband, the late Ralph W. Smith, was a Jackson Lumber Harvester Co. stockholder on the Board of Directors, and served as Vice President of the corporation from February 19, 1963 until February 21, 1989, when he retired.  At which time, Bill Becker was elected Vice President. 

During her career, Muriel worked as a teacher, band and chorus director at the Gilmanton High School and also directed choir groups at the Evangelical United Brethren Church and Central Lutheran Church.  

She had worked as the secretary to the president of Dolly Madison Dairies in Eau Claire, WI.  Because of her talented and vivacious personality, she did the Dolly Madison ice cream commercials for TV.  Back then, in the 1950's, commercials were done "live", so it was crucial that the ice cream was the right consistency for easy scooping when the cameras were rolling.  There were no "retakes" in those days! 

When Muriel and her family lived in Kansas City, she worked as a secretary to the president of Stinson-Mag Law Firm.  One of their clients was Bess Truman, an elderly lady at the time and widow of President Harry Truman.  Mrs. Truman was so impressed with Muriel's charming personality that she called the law firm and requested Muriel to come and have tea with her on a regular basis.

In later years, she had a desire to learn to fly, so took flying lessons and received her solo certificate.  She lived a full life and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her.