Medical clinic housekeeper calls it quits
Behind the scenes at every public facility is someone who does the necessary daily tasks to keep it clean.
Marlene Bernhardt of Marion was housekeeper at St. Luke Medical Clinic for 21 years. The 68-year-old woman retired in May.
Bernhardt cleaned the clinic after business hours six days every week. Her duties included wiping examining tables in nine rooms, cleaning sinks and bathrooms, mopping floors, vacuuming the waiting room, and disposing of trash. She also kept windows on entrance doors clean.
Once a month she washed walls and did other deep cleaning.
Bernhardt said she saw quite a few doctors come and go during her time of service. Dr. Don Hodson was there when she started. She took special pleasure in looking out for him, making sure he had turned off his hot plate and coffee pot. She also checked doors to be sure they were locked, and watered plants.
The clinic staff threw a retirement party for Bernhardt May 31 at Kingfisher's Inn. In addition to a meal, she was given a fig tree and a beta fish in a vase with a plant.
Bernhardt calls the fish, "Fred, too" after Fred, the beta fish at the clinic.
Bernhardt has a long history as a housekeeper, having cleaned private homes for several years. She cleaned Dr. T.C. Ensey's offices for nine years.
"It was time for me to quit," she said.
