2017 Ed-Co Retirees
Mike Putz has been with Ed-Co for 35 years most recently as junior high language arts teacher. He is a native of Cascade, where he graduated from Cascade High School in 1977. He is a 1981 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. He’s family consists of his wife Aggie and three children. Justin and his wife Audrey live in Independence where he is head football coach and athletic director at Independence High School. Audrey is a school social worker. Son Ryan and his wife Chelsea live in Cedar Rapids where he is an accountant at Clifton, Larson and Allen. Chelsea is a nurse in Cedar Rapids. Daughter Eileen Andersen and her husband Andrew live in Blaine, MN. Eileen is a therapeutic and social director at a care facility in Brighton, MN. Andrew is in sales. All three of our children graduated from Ed-Co High School. Ed-Co is the only place that Mike have ever taught. I have been here since January of 1982. As far as a favorite memory, he says it's safe to say that after 35.5 years it's too hard to select just one. Mike says, “I will miss several things about Ed-Co. First is not being around young people every day. I really enjoy students, especially my 7th and 8th graders. I will also miss the staff. These teachers and associates do amazing work each and every day. In my opinion they are second to none. I will also miss Mrs. Voss. She has been a great principal and educational leader. She has also been a great friend.”During retirement he plans to continue to work for the newspaper group I've been with for over four years and also plan to spend a lot of time with Aggie who is also retiring from Ed-Co this year.
Ann Glime graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an area of concentration on the Exceptional Child. She received a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Northern Iowa. She worked as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher at Ed-Co Elementary during the 1974-1975 school year and began her Masters’ program in 1975. She taught 4th grade at St. Boniface Elementary in New Vienna, Iowa for 2 years. In 1977 she became the resource teacher for Ed-Co Elementary. Several years later her classroom became a special class with integration when Ed-Co brought our children with special needs back to our district from West Delaware and Garnavillo. Ann says, “I will miss the students and their parents. We work as a team! I will miss the opportunity to work with a dedicated staff, administration, and AEA staff to make a difference in the lives of children. One of my favorite memories is Glimeville (name of my classroom) and our money economy. The children earned money for completing work, for good behavior, for helping out, and making good choices. They had the opportunity to order lunch from Wille’s and eat in our classroom, to earn an extra recess, a trip to the high school play, supper at the Lone Pine Country Club, and a camping trip to Albrecht Acres. She has several ideas for her retirement. “I’m looking forward to working in my yard and garden, reading for leisure, and writing about my brother and sister-in-law for family history. I will be traveling to the Holy Land in January 2018. AND I have a couple of other plans you’ll just have to wait to find out!”
Aggie Putz has spent all 33 years of her teaching career at Ed-Co. She started as an associate with Mrs. Elledge, then taught first grade for five years, and the rest in 3rd grade. Along with regular teaching, she was the head track coach for 14 years and also taught driver’s education. Aggie has been to Mike for 33 years, almost 34 on June 4th. They have three children. Justin and Audrey, Ryan and Chelsea, and Eileen and Andrew Andersen. Aggie says, “I will miss the students and staff. My favorite memory is getting a new class every year and watching them grow during the year. My plans for retirement is to work at the golf course, teach Driver's Ed and sub. I also can go visit my children whenever I want.”
Kathy Pickart has been at Ed-Co as a Title I Reading Teacher for 15 years. She is married to Dean Streicher and lives in Strawberry Point. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa
Don Zieser came to Ed-Co in 1984 after teaching two years at Twin Cedars Community Schools in Bussey, Iowa and has been here that last 31 years He grew up in Coggon, Iowa, and graduated from North-Linn in 1978.. He is a 1982 Coe College Graduate with a PE Major and Elementary Teaching Endorsement. While at Coe he played baseball for the Kohawks as a pitcher, and was team Captain his senior year. Don along with his wife of 33 years, Derra, live in Edgewood and are the proud parents of three daughters. Hannah and her husband Reggie are recent graduates of University of Dubuque and will be moving to Victorville, CA in June. Twins Megan and Mallory are 2017 Ed-Co grads. Megan will be attending Hawkeye to study Respiratory Therapy this fall. Mallory will be attending the University of Iowa to study Dance. They also have a Beagle named Olivia. Don says, “What I’m going to miss most will be the kids. They are always so enthusiastic. I have lots of great memories at Ed-Co. So many great kids and great people I have had the privilege to work with. Having teams reach the State Tournament has been very rewarding, and this year having Ethan Streicher qualify for State has been great.” Don’s retirement plans include relaxing this summer, doing some painting and he thinks he’ll have plenty of things to do to stay busy.
Karla Fensterman attended Cosmetology College in Dubuque after high school and worked as a cosmetologist in Colesburg for 30 years. Along with fixing hair she subbed as an associate for several years until I was hired full time in 1988 as elementary associate. Her husband passed away in 2009. She has four children, three granddaughters and one grandson. Kim, Michael and his wife Tammy live in Cedar Rapids, Jenny and her husband Steve live in Indianola, and Andy and his wife Maggie live in Colesburg. Karyl says, “I also consider the Ed-Co staff as my extended family. The past 24 ½ years have gone very fast. I love working with the students and also the staff here at Ed-Co. I will miss the smiles and hugs from the students. I have so many memories that I can't say that one is my favorite.” Karyl plans on spending more time with my grandchildren and taking care of my garden and yard. She might even take a vacation.
