Niles’ Linsenmier marks 20 years working at Toefco
Published 2:15 am Saturday, December 16, 2006
By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES – This milestone was met with smiles and hugs.
Dale Linsenmier recently celebrated a 20th anniversary with Toefco Engineered Coating Systems, Inc., 1220 N. 14th St., Niles. The company coats automotive parts and ovens for Maytag.
Linsenmier has Down syndrome.
Linsenmier has been working in maintenance for Toefco since Dec. 8, 1986, and his 20-year service anniversary with Toefco management and co-workers was held on Friday, Dec. 8.
"Dale is a key member of the Toefco Team and it is often said that Dale 'represents the best of Toefco,'" said Jim Miller, controller. "He has had an excellent attendance record over the years."
"Dale is a special person for us. He says we are all family to him. He calls me mom and Art dad," said Ruth Prenkert, accounting clerk. "He gives us all hugs in the morning."
Niles Dial-A-Ride picks him up in the morning so he can work 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day. On Jan. 16, 2007, he will turn 46.
Art McElwee is president and CEO of Toefco. He is the third owner of the business in its 54-year history.
"Dale comes with [the business]," said Miller. "He has a lifetime employee contract."
Dale's mother died a few years ago. His father, Ross Linsenmier, was able to attend the anniversary party at Toefco and share in his son's celebration.
"Dale is pretty well thought of," Miller said. They took him to a Notre Dame football game against Navy. "He loves Notre Dame and the Three Stooges."
Dale was also a Special Olympics champion. He also loves to bowl, which he does every other week, Miller added.