By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marty Fredrickson has served many roles during his 31½ years with the city of Marion. He will retire Oct. 1.

He has served as water plant operator, sewer system operator, equipment operator, building inspector, zoning administrator, street supervisor, and public works director.

He was public works lead under Harvey Sanders until Sanders retired in 2010. Then Marty took over with Christian Pedersen as electrical supervisor.

“He’s always the first to be there and help out his team,” city administrator Roger Holter said. “When the oak tree fell from the park and closed the street, he personally jumped into the loader and moved the log that was bigger than the equipment because he wanted the street open for people and didn’t want to risk injury to his guys.”

Holter said he has received countless praises of Fredrickson’s desire to help people with their home projects.

“On countless occasions I’ve received customer compliments from when he was doing a building inspection,” Holter said. “The homeowner had done something wrong or just didn’t know how to do it the right way. He would tell them ‘I get off at 5, I’ll be back to help’ and without fail he would show back up, show, tell and teach to help get the homeowner and project back on track.

“Under his leadership, he’s the one that got the city crews to handle the delivery of the Community Christmas food boxes each year. I’ve seen Marty work all day and into the night during storms and then go after he got off to check on friends and neighbors before he ever thought about his own place or family.”

Holter said he’s always thought of Fredrickson as a player on the World Series team that no one really ever knows how much he contributes to the team, but every one of the teammates always goes to him when the challenges get tough.

“They have that calm quiet wisdom always available,” Holter said. “Beyond the institutional knowledge we will be losing, we’re losing a true class gentlemen and friend for thousands in this city.”

Fredrickson’s final working day will be Sept. 25. A come-and-go reception for his retirement will be 2 to 4 p.m. that day at city hall. People who wish to attend should RSVP by Sept. 18 by calling (620) 382-3703.

Fredrickson declined to be interviewed for this story.