It’s not often one gets to retire on the same day as their birthday; however, for Lane Hartfiel–this lifelong dream became a reality on January 16.
After a staggering 35 years of custodial service to the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton & Trinity Lutheran communities, Hartfiel hung up the mop and broom for the final time. In a trip down memory lane, he began his career at JWP in the fall of 1989 as an evening custodian then eventually became a day shift custodian at Waldorf Middle School. When the school closed in 2010, Hartfiel took an open custodian position at Trinity and remained there for the next 15 years.
Hartfiel was not available for comment about his 35-year career, but he did receive an emotional farewell from Trinity students and staff on his final day. In a cheeky nod to his profession, a mop bucket and trash can were filled with heartfelt gifts, balloons, and letters…and Hartfiel took one last lap around the grounds to make sure the spaces were squeaky clean.
It’s uncertain what the now-retired Hartfiel will do with his newfound freedom, though the Journal can acknowledge his commitment to serving the JWP and Trinity communities for over three decades. It may be rare to celebrate both your birthday and retirement on the same day, but for Hartfiel–that has to be a mighty good day.
