Time to Enjoy Life: Pam Fike Retires in May
When you’ve worked with 16 different pastors and over 40 employees, it just might be the right time to think about starting a new chapter in your life. Pam Fike, Parish Administrator at Trinity, is retiring in May after 29 years of service. From her initial part-time position that constantly evolved into what it is today, Pam has seen a lot of changes not only in the staff and ever-growing congregation, but also in the building and grounds.
“It’s gone so fast, it doesn’t seem like I’ve been here 29 years!” Pam exclaimed. (Actually, it’s a bit longer than that. She has been coming to Trinity since was three years old!)
She originally applied for the part-time financial secretary job opening because “my mom thought it would be a good place for me to work!” Her mom remembered so many people and thought that Pam would really love working with them. It turns out her mother knew best. “It was like coming home when I came here!” Pam said.
Of course, she’ll take so many memories with her when she leaves. “I started when my kids were younger and [Trinity] was always so obliging with family time,” Fike said. At the time, Pam and her husband, Randy, had two young daughters, Sarah (7) and Megan (12).
More than anything else, Pam says she will miss the people, including the staff and the congregation members. “It’ll be different!” she said. “I’ll miss the people I get to work with in many ways. From congregation members and volunteers to committee and council members, just think of all the people I’ve worked with in 29 years!”
From the difficult days on the job including not having enough offerings to pay for Trinity’s bills to the fun days of attending staff parties and retreats, Pam reminisced and mentioned how time went by so quickly in her job.
Her plans for the future include helping more with her grandchildren, enjoying life and spending a little more time on herself, even if that time includes “getting stuff done around the house!” Her grandchildren (all in Minneapolis) are at the perfect age to be spoiled by her: Everett is 5; Julia is 3 and Flora is 3. Currently, she sees them every 2-3 weeks, but she may be able to see them even more once she retires. “I’ll love being able to take off if the girls need me for the grandkids,” Pam mentioned.
She and her husband, Randy, plan to stay around the Mason City area, as he is still working in his business, and his mom is still living here. Pam plans to keep coming to Trinity for church, and “Someday I may even come back to volunteer!”
Pam will fill those spare moments she’ll have after May with reading, bike-riding, walking, boating and embroidering. And family…always family.
Thank you so much for being that consistently calm staff member we’ve become accustomed to seeing for almost three decades at Trinity, Pam. We wish you good luck and a much-deserved rest and relaxation in your retirement.†
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