May 2, 2001
Mr. Ed bags typical retirement plans
Ric's Food Center bag boy celebrates his 80th birthday
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
If you've ever shopped at Ric's Food Center in Interlochen, chances are you've met Mr. Ed.
Whether greeting customers coming in or chatting as he bags their groceries, Ed Schichtel exudes warmth and friendliness to customers and co-workers alike. In the six years he has worked there after coming out of retirement, Schichtel has become somewhat of an institution for Interlochen residents.
"Every customer loves him and everybody in the store loves him," said Russ Horn, store director. "He is one of the hardest working people in the store and he is always helping out."
Celebrating his 80th birthday Thursday, Schichtel's co-workers surprised him with a cake and ice cream, acknowledging his special place in the store and their hearts.
"I think it is pretty great if you are 80 years old and still bagging groceries," added co-worker and fellow retirement refugee Joanne Stowe. "If Ed is not around, customers will ask, 'Isn't Ed in today?'"
A northern Michigan native, Schichtel grew up on a farm near Kingsley and began his adult life as a farmer. Then he worked at the Traverse City Iron Works for 32 years as a machinist until it closed. Despite having achieved the American dream, retirement quickly palled for both him and his wife, Betty. Each now works a part-time job three days a week, Betty at the Cedar Run Eye Center, and both enjoy getting out and being active with their jobs.
"I've retired several times," noted Schichtel, who lives near Buckley. "I just do it over and over again until I get it right."
He began bagging groceries during a winter stay in Arizona, where he and his wife traveled to escape the cold and snow for a few years. The store there sent him and all the new baggers to 'bagging school' after a few months on the job, standard training for avoiding mashed bread and broken eggs. He took the training in stride, already having mastered all the basics of bagging on the first day.
When he returned to Michigan after that winter, he approached Ric's about helping out. Horn admits the store was a little hesitant at first about having a 74-year-old man as a bag boy, unsure if he could handle some of the job's physical challenges.
That tune has changed now, after watching Schichtel in action. Co-workers say Schichtel is the first to run to the parking lot if a customer left something behind and idle moments find him straightening shelves or helping out anywhere he can.
"If I could have four more Eds, we'd solve all staffing problems," Horn said. "I'd hire more retirees like him in a second."
Four years ago, the Schichtels decided to stay in Michigan during the winter and Ed has worked at Ric's all year since then. Three days a week will find him at the store, getting a dose of what he calls his social life.
"It's been very enjoyable being here, along with the work," Schichtel said. "They are all good to me. I like meeting customers and talking to the old people."