After high school I attended the University of Minnesota for 4 years and graduated with a degree in Accounting.
I spent my next 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. I served 13 months on the Cutter Mackinac. 3 months in Storekeeper School, and 2 and a half years at Air Station Traverse City where I served in Aviation Supply.
While in Traverse City, I pitched for the Coast Guard men's fast pitch softball team. One of the Coasties coached the Coast Guard women's fast pitch team and I pitched practice to his team. That is where I first met my wife, Joyce Elaine Merchant, second baseman.
Following an honorable discharge, I moved back to Minneapolis and found employment at the Hennepin County Welfare Department. Joyce and I were married the following May and we lived in North Minneapolis for 4 years.
We moved back to Traverse City on December 29, 1977 with our 14 month old son, Trevor. I worked as a Payroll Bookkeeper at a local school district for 26 and a half years. Trevor is married with 3 children. He is the Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival.
I retired in August, 2004 and Joyce in 2007. We have been married for 41 years and live in one of the most beautiful communities in the world! We are a block up from East Grand Traverse Bay and West Bay is just across town! Traverse City is a resort community that has much to offer!
We spend our retirement days babysitting our Grandchildren 1 or 2 days a week or doing whatever. I also have a part time job at our local community college.