Boldenow enjoys life near the golf course
Published Monday, July 7, 2008
Gary Boldenow and several others from Otter Tail Power Company took early retirement in 1998. For Boldenow and his former co-workers, this has been a fast 10 years.
Boldenow’s wife, Sharon, retired in 1996 from the Fergus Falls public schools system where she had been an instructor in health and physical education. In retirement they spend more time with their adult children, Carey, Pamela and Jill, and their six grandsons
"I keep busy in retirement, and enjoy life," Boldenow said. "We especially enjoy spending time with family and friends."
Boldenow, 70, was manager of Transmission Engineering when he retired after 34 years with Otter Tail Power.
“I worked for Embert Larson for 26 enjoyable years,” Boldenow said. “That was 26 out of 34 years with the company. Embert was a pleasure to work with.”
They reside at home near Pebble Lake Golf Course. Both Gary and Sharon enjoy golfing. From October to April they reside at their winter home at Del Webb's Spruce Creek north of Orlando, Fla. They come back to Minnesota for the Christmas holidays to be with their children and grandchildren.
In addition to golf, Boldenow keeps busy with a vegetable garden and has three acres of land to care for at his home near the Pebble Lake Golf Course. "Lots of oak tree sticks to pick up," he says.
Looking back, he has fond memories of his many years with Otter Tail Power. An example includes working with Rod Scheel in the electrical department, in the late 1970s, when Scheel headed System Engineering and when Boldenow headed Substation Construction and Maintenance.
"Rod and I had good employees doing good jobs for customers of Otter Tail Power," Boldenow said.
Many names of good employees come to mind, including Al Koennicke, Jerry Martens, Bill Easton, Bob Lorsung, Vicki Severson, Bob Reff, Floyd Kearnes, Brian Malchert, Joe Braun and others.
Back then Boldenow, Scheel and employees under their supervision worked on many projects, including substation construction associated with the Coyote power plant that came on line in 1981 northwest of Bismarck.
Gary and Sharon both hail from Starbuck. Gary graduated in mechanical engineering form North Dakota State University, Fargo.
“Sharon and I both feel blessed, and retirement is good,” Boldenow said.
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