After 44 years of service to Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative, Manager of Engineering Services Jerry Koenig has announced his retirement.

“I don’t have any grandiose plans – just do some traveling to see family and work on the family farm some,” Koenig said.

When asked what he is going to miss most about the co-op, he said “besides the free coffee?”

Koenig went on to say that he would miss the comradery among the staff and the feeling like he was doing something important for the members each and every day. “I really feel the co-op spirit of being a part of a group at DSEC and working with other co-ops,” he said.

Other things on his agenda include helping with church activities and spending time with his wife, Brenda, and their grandkids, all of whom live nearby. He would also like to possibly take a Hawaiian Islands cruise. “I want to enjoy whatever we do,” Koenig said.

President and General Manager of DSEC, Tim Burkhalter, said “The co-op will miss his knowledge and experience because that is hard to replace,” Burkhalter said. “But we are also excited for him and wish him the best in retirement.”