St. Joseph postal service clerks share a combined 158 years in service
By Kirsten Stokes
A group of dedicated clerks for the postal service have each served over 30 years in the St. Joseph community.
“The people and the job itself. It’s good benefits, it’s great vacations. And I get to work inside and with the public,” said Renee Munson, a postal clerk of 35 years.
More than just a job, working for the postal service has become a career for Shelly Vanover, a clerk of 33 years.
“I’ve been able to raise my child. I worked 15 years on the night shift and I’ve been almost 15 years on the window. It’s just, it’s a great career,” Vanover said.
Including Munson and Vanover, three other clerks have been recognized for this achievement. Lori Koehler, Steven A. Clark and Barbara Harris have also served 30 years.
For Vanover, her connection to a postal career began under the wings of her father and other close family members.
“My dad is a retired letter carrier, as well as one of my uncles who was a city carrier. I have an uncle that was a rural carrier,” Vanover said.
With each stamp, written address and smile, these clerks work daily to make sure that everyone receives the packages they need, despite the hard work that may go on behind the scenes.
“From letters to packages it’s hard work and then we search and try to help people find out where their packages go whenever they come up missing,” Munson said.
These five individuals have proved that it is possible to have a career in postal service and with over 30 years down, most want to continue for a few more years.
