James Hannon, #2721

Bus Operator

Though short in stature – a fellow employee once jokes that he needed wood blocks to reach the pedals in the bus – Jim was long on staying power. He served just shy of 38 years, working at each of Metro Transit's bus garages.

During his lengthy career, he was awarded the Prestige Master Operator Award, given to the rare group of drivers who achieve high standards of service for 30+ years. He also served on the Employee Fund Committee.

Jim retired on Aug. 28, 2012, and will pursue his love of golf.

Glenn Vierling, #802

Bus Operator

Glenn worked first as a bus operator from 1969-1973 and then returned from 1975 to September of 2012. In Glenn’s 41 years of service he has worked at four bus garages throughout the metro area.

Glenn’s driving skills earned him 35 years of safe driving awards and 35 years outstanding operator awards. His skills and dedication also earned him the first pitch in 2009 representing Metro Transit at a St. Paul Saints game.

Glenn’s two uncles, father, and son Justin have also operated Metro Transit vehicles - providing nearly a century of service to transit customers with the Vierling name.

Timothy Coglianese, #119

Bus Operator

Tim joined Metro Transit on Jan. 27, 1975, and worked at Nicollet Garage for most of his career, except for a short time when the garage was being rebuilt.

An avid golfer, Tim retired Aug. 3, 2012, with 37 years of service. He was joined by his wife, two children and two grandchildren at a party held in his honor at Nicollet Garage.

Gary Turchin

Mechanic Technician

Gary retired from Metro Transit on July 28, 2012. He had 36 years of service.

Steve Hopkins

Facilities Technician

Steve was a bus operator when he first joined Metro Transit and ended his 37-year career as a facilities technician. He was one of the original members of Public Facilities Maintenance when the work group first started.

He was the department’s go-to person when colleagues wanted information about a specific bus shelter. Steve had a keen recollection of what type of shelter (including size, manufacturer and orientation on the street) was at any location in the system.

Outside of work, his interests included computer/video games and collecting watches. Steve retired from Metro Transit on July 23, 2012.

Randall Burzynski, #1170

Bus Operator

Randy started at #1 – driving the old Route 1 Kenwood/Stinson line – when he began with Metro Transit as a part-time driver in 1979. After four years, he became a full-time driver, working at the Snelling, Heywood and Ruter garages.

Nearly 33 years later, Randall retired after qualifying for the Outstanding Operator award several times and achieving a 30-Year Safe Driving Award, marking three decades without an accident. Randy retired on July 16, 2012.

Marcia Rossman

Scheduling Manager

Marcia began her career in the Transit Information Center in 1977, and was promoted to supervisor less than a year later. She transferred to Scheduling in 1979, working there for 33 years as a Schedule Maker, Lead Schedule Maker and ultimately Manager of Scheduling, before retiring July 6, 2012.  

Throughout her career, Marcia was dedicated to the highest levels of customer service and schedule efficiency. She earned Employee of the Month honors for her technical expertise and ability to interpret schedule specifications and translate them into cost-effective runs. Marcia was a leader, guiding schedule makers through countless service restructurings, work rule changes and challenges of three different computerized scheduling systems. She always took great pride in her work, and was not satisfied until the puzzle was solved and the job was done right.  

Sheri Gingerich, #1307

Deputy Chief Operations Officer – Rail

Sheri began her 31-year career with Metro Transit in 1979 as a bus driver and instructor.

She worked in four bus garages as a driver and safety supervisor and was the first woman Transportation Manager in Metro Transit history. 

She transferred to the fledgling rail division in 2003 as one of the first employees of the Hiawatha Light-Rail Line, and ended her career leading the light-rail division.

Sheri distinguished herself as a mentor and a strong leader known for her patience, flexibility, kindness and attention to employees’ concerns. She retired June 1, 2012.

Daniel Underbakke

Helper

Daniel retired from Metro Transit on May 16, 2012. He had 33 years of service.

Michael Jawish, #433

Bus Operator

After nearly 38 years with Metro Transit, Michael retired on May 11, 2012.

Michael was recognized for 36 years of safe driving and worked at Nicollet and North Side garages before finishing his career at South Garage in Bloomington.

In retirement, Michael plans to travel, pursue his interest in golf and American history and spend time with his grandchildren.

Jerome Kaczmarek, #1408

Rail Operator

Jerome began his career as a bus operator in 1972 at the North Side garage. In 2003, he joined the inaugural class of train operators on the Hiawatha light-rail line.

Jerome was well-known as a safe, friendly and helpful operator who operated buses and trains accident-free for more than 39 years. He retired on May 4, 2012.

Dave
Zapata

Skilled Helper

Dave said goodbye to Metro Transit on April 2, 2012, after 32 years of service. A skilled helper, Dave was known for his attention to detail and for taking pride in his work. He spent most of his career at Nicollet Garage.

He was a member of Nicollet Club, an employee organization at his garage, and often cooked meals at events that the Nicollet Maintenance department sponsored. Dave also was a representative for ATU #1005 during his career.

Richard Turnblom, #2512

Bus Operator

Then 21 years old and intending to drive for about six months, Richard started his career with Metro Transit (then “MTC”) in 1972.

He retired on April 13, 2012 with more than 40 years of service and an accident-free driving record.

Besides working at four bus garages and also as a supervisor in the Transit Control Center, Richard was a participant in Metro Transit’s Bus Roadeo.

Todd Stevens, #1273

Bus Operator

Todd retired on April 7, 2012, with 31 years of service. 

Marnell Wilber, #1157

Bus Operator

Marnell was recognized for 24 years of Safe Driving and received numerous Outstanding Operator Awards during her career at Metro Transit.

She worked at four bus garages throughout her tenure and also has a son and grandson who have worked at Metro Transit.

Marnell retired on April 3, 2012, with 32 years of service. 

Ron Keuseman, #1112

Bus Operator

A 36-year Safe Operator, “Big Ron” particularly enjoyed driving express service to the State Fair every year. He was also known for assisting other operators as they learned new routes.

Ron worked most of his career at the Fred T. Heywood Garage in Minneapolis and at Martin J. Ruter Garage in Brooklyn Center, from which he retired on Feb. 24, 2012.

Bruce Bakke

Transit Supervisor

Bruce began work as a bus driver in October of 1980. He was also a phone representative in the Transit Information Center. He became a supervisor in the Transit Control Center, where he kept radio contact with bus drivers on their routes and he completed his career as a Transit Supervisor in the street operations department, monitoring day-to-day conditions, detouring routes when necessary and supervising drivers.

Bruce was most known for his work with the City of Maple Grove. For the last years of his career, Bruce worked closely with Maple Grove and supervised the service Metro Transit provides for the city by contract. He retired on Feb. 10, 2011, with 32 years of service. 

Tom Kotila, #2632

Rail Operator

Tom began driving bus at Snelling Garage in August 1973. He worked at Shingle Creek Garage, was at Northside Garage when it closed and at Heywood Garage when it opened. Tom finished 30 years of bus driving at Ruter Garage, but his transit career wasn't finished.

He moved to Rail Operations as one of the first operators on the Hiawatha light-rail system, and left his mark in helping with the start-up of light rail. Tom, known as Tom4 on the railroad, safety-tested the first four light-rail vehicles, putting them through technical tests and ensuring they met operational standards prior to carrying customers. He also was among the first class of operators to become instructors to future operators. Tom retired Jan. 25, 2012, with 38 years of service.

Diane Hehr, #1068

Bus Operator

Diane retired Jan. 4, 2012, from Heywood Garage. She had 32 years of service.

Bernadine Woodards, #545

Bus Operator

Bernadine retired Jan. 4, 2012, with 35 years of service.

She was a bus driver at Nicollet Garage. She spent her entire transit career at that location, except for a brief time when the garage was closed for renovation.

Bernie looks forward to retirement to spend time with her two children and grandchildren and to enjoy her love of gardening and travel.

David Jungwirth, #2840

Bus Operator

David retired Jan. 2, 2012, from East Metro Garage. He had 36 years of service.

Kenneth Zimanski, #2741

Bus Operator

Ken was born in London, England, and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He began his transit career in January 1972, driving Route 4. The first bus he drove, a GMC "Jimmy" #1399, currently resides at the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

He drove out of Northside for nearly three years then transferred to Snelling Garage, then finally to East Metro Garage when Snelling was closed. He retired after driving in St. Paul for 37 years. Within his 39 years of service, he posted 33 years and 8 months of safe driving. 

Ken retired Sept. 23, 2011, and plans to travel to England with his family to visit relatives. 

John Frederick, #879

Bus Operator

John retired from South Garage on Sept. 9, 2011, with more than 32 years of service. He was among the first group of drivers to begin work from the then brand-new South Garage upon its opening in 1980.

During his career, John received Metro Transit's Safe Operator Award 28 times.

He received the Outstanding Operator Award 20 times, qualifying him as an Elite Master Operator – one of only 26 Metro Transit employees to have attained that status.

Cecelia Blakey

Data Collector

Cecelia joined Metro Transit in April 1975. She retired Aug. 25, 2011, with 36 years, four months and seven days of service – all of them in the same job as a Data Collector.

Her accurate passenger counts helped Service Development make decisions about routing and which types of vehicles and levels of service were needed to match demand.

It is estimated that over the course of her career, she has counted more than 16 million passengers, equal to the populations of Iowa and Illinois combined.

Robert Horbach, #2626

Bus Operator

Robert retired Aug. 1, 2011, with 38 years of service. He completed his transit career at East Metro Garage.

Ralph Juckel, #513

Bus Operator

Ralph was hired by Metro Transit in April of 1981. He began his career at Snelling Garage, moved on to Nicollet and ended at Heywood with 30+ years of service.

He received the Safe Driving award 24 times. He retired on July 1, 2011.

In his spare time, Ralph enjoys fishing, hunting and gardening.

Mark Miller, #3005

Rail Operator

Mark was hired as a bus driver in July 1972, driving for 32 years at several garages, and ending his career at East Metro. Mark enjoyed the people aspect of driving, but his heart belonged to trains. Prior to Metro Transit, he applied at Burlington Northern but taking that job would require leaving Minnesota. As a young father he chose to stay and drive buses.

When light-rail service began in 2004, Mark jumped at the chanced to become a train operator. He was known for his attention to detail and love of a clean train cab – he always washed the windows so they were spotless.

Mark retired on July 10, 2011, and lives with his family in western Wisconsin.

Richard Krafty, #761

Bus Operator

Richard started with Metro Transit on June 11, 1979. He spent most of his career working from Heywood Garage. 

In his 32 years of service, Richard logged 29 years of accident-free driving and earned numerous customer commendations.

He earned the agency’s Outstanding Operator Award – the agency’s mark of excellence in customer service, attendance and safety – 25 times, earning him the title of Elite Operator.

Richard retired on June 11, 2011.

Cheryl Selinsky

TDM Program Administrator

Cheryl began her career as temporary employee with a pilot project known as MTC Commuter Services. The group was tasked with promoting transportation options to employers in the Pentagon Park area of the Twin Cities. The program grew into Minnesota Rideshare and finally became part of Metro Transit's Customer Services & Marketing division.

Throughout her 32+ years as Program Administrator, Cheryl helped scores of commuters and employers find alternatives to driving alone, preventing the release of many millions of tons of greenhouse gases. She left service on June 3, 2011.

Scott Berg

Transit Supervisor

Scott was instrumental in moving Transit Supervision into the computer age. He established many of the computer procedures that are still in use today. He was responsible for training all transit supervisors when Metro Transit joined the regional 800 MHz radio system.

Most recently he managed downtown St. Paul bus service through the first season of construction on the Central Corridor light-rail project.

Bill Wormwood, #561

Rail Operator

Bill began his transit career at Northside Garage, worked at Nicollet and South garages, and drove mainly from Snelling/East Metro Garage. Bill worked swing shifts for many years and he could often be found on Rice Street, Grand Avenue or east/west 7^{th Street}.

In 2003 Bill began training as one of the first operators for the Hiawatha light-rail line, a position he held until his retirement on June 3, 2011. "The many friends I've met at Metro Transit I expect to have for the rest of my life," he said.

Carroll Dingemans, #857

Bus Operator

Carroll left his colleagues on June 3, 2001, after 31 years and three months behind the wheel. He began his career as a part-time bus driver at the former Snelling Garage, moving to full-time work after 12 years.

Career highlights were receiving an award for 30 years of safe driving in 2010 and winning the agency's Roadeo – a safety and skills competition – in the part-time category in 1987. Metro Transit estimates that he served more than 880,000 customers over his years of service.

Upon retirement, he planned to engage in his favorite hobby: designing and building unicycles, having already built more than 100.

Kathy Casey

Assistant Transportation Manager

Kathy Casey said goodbye to Metro Transit on April 29, 2011, after 31+ years of service at the agency. She served in many capacities during her career, including bus driver, dispatcher, garage coordinator and assistant transportation manager.

She spent the last years of her transit tenure at Ruter Garage, and played a major role in providing customer service and safety for tens of thousands of light-rail customers after Twins and Vikings games at the Metrodome.

James Latourneau

Money Counter

Jim began his career as a bus driver in July 1973. He took a short break, but returned to driving, where he earned several awards and commendations. He became a vault puller in 1997; after a few short months, Jim moved to the money counting room and remained on that team until he retired on April 23, 2011. In total, he amassed 37 years and six months of dedicated service to Metro Transit.  

His legacy is one of accuracy, a sense of humor and a positive attitude. Jim earned 13 consecutive years of excellent attendance, and welcomed temporary workers with his friendly attitude and tales of his adventures as a bus driver. 

Bob Bier

Mechanic Technician

Bob retired from Metro Transit's Overhaul Base facility after 35 years of service on May 13, 2011.

Roxanne "Rocky" McClurg, #31

Bus Operator

Roxanne McClurg, or "Rocky," as she was known to co-workers, was a helpful, welcoming face to new employees at Ruter Garage. She helped organize an employee club and cooked breakfasts and lunches for colleagues during garage events.

Over the course of her 37-year career, she twice finished in the top 30 and once won Rookie of the Year at the Metro Transit Roadeo, a safety and skills competition. She also won an award for 30 years of accident-free driving.

She left Metro Transit on April 15, 2011, to pursue her love of fishing and travel.

Mike "Kraky" Krakowski

Stockkeeper

His co-workers at the Overhaul Base called him "Kraky," but you might want to call him "Mr. Organization."

During his 30 years, he was responsible for physically moving two stockrooms and building another from scratch. At Metro Transit's facility where buses receive major maintenance, he was an integral part of converting the storage of bus parts – more than 6,000 types – from a shelf-based system to a carousel that allows employees to find parts faster.

He retired on April 1, 2011.

Glenn Goetz, #2698

Bus Operator

When Glenn Goetz left Metro Transit, he did so having worked at nearly every bus garage in the system at some point.

Goetz earned the agency's Outstanding Operator Award – the agency's mark of excellence in customer service, attendance and safety – seven times in his 36-year career and retired with the title of Master Operator.

When he retired in February 2011, he was looking forward to retirement and having the time to work on old cars and clean his house, along with spending more time with his two children and six grandchildren.

Howard
"Howie" Melco

Mechanic Technician

Howie began his bus maintenance career in 1975 and retired in February 2011, after 35 years of service at Metro Transit's Overhaul Base.

Howie’s ingenuity and creativity will live on in the “motorman” custom-designed gate at the Franklin Avenue light-rail station and in memories of the “Twinkle Bus” – Metro Transit’s longtime winter parade float – which he helped to design and build.

Charles "Rocky" Pierce, #167

Bus Operator

Charles joined Metro Transit on Jan. 21, 1980, as a bus driver.

"Rocky," as he was known to many he worked with, earned the outstanding operator award two times for safe driving, quality customer service and attendance. During his nearly 31 years of service, he also earned Metro Transit's annual safe driving award 23 times.

His colleagues, fiancée and several grandchildren gathered in December to cap his career with a retirement celebration at Heywood Garage in January 2011.

Lawrence E. Delmore, #3231

Bus Operator

Lawrence joined Metro Transit on Nov. 2, 1970, as a bus operator and spent most of the next 40 years serving customers of St. Paul routes during assignments at the Snelling Garage and East Metro Garage.

During his tenure, he earned Metro Transit's annual safe driving award 36 times. He retired with the designation of Master Driver, by earning the agency's outstanding operator award nine times for safe driving, quality customer service and attendance.

He retired in January 2011.

Kandy Duchene, #126

Bus Operator

Thadore "Ted" Stephney, #1109

Instructor

James C. Chamberlin, #5185

Mechanic Technician