BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC/Gray News) – In a remarkable testament to dedication and passion, Ann I. Schroeder, 94, is retiring after an incredible 75 years with Davenport Spring Company.

He joined the company well before it became part of Mutual Wheel Group in the late 1990s.

Schroeder began his career at Davenport Spring Company in 1949 and remained there his entire working life.

“When I first started working there, I waited on customers, handled billing and did all the handwritten accounting,” Schroeder said.

Growing up in a family associated with auto and truck parts made him feel at home in the industry.

“My late husband was a racing driver. My dad was in the trucking business, so it was a good fit for my career. I learned to drive a truck when I was very young and I drove a truck when I was 17. My dad taught me how to drive a truck, so I got used to what I was doing,” Schroeder said.

He witnessed countless changes during his time with the company, but his dedication and passion never wavered.

“As time went on, things got faster and faster,” Schroeder shared. “But my love for the job kept me coming back. There are days in your life when you don’t want to go to work. We all know this. But I wanted to go to work almost every day of my life.”

Schroeder emphasized the importance of enjoying one’s work.

“If you’re going to get a job, don’t stay in a job you don’t like. Find something that meets what you like to do and do the best at it, because if you have a job you don’t love, you’ll never do it right,” Schroeder said.

Now that he is retired, Schroeder looks forward to spending more time with his family and friends.

“I was very selfish towards many of my friends. I couldn’t spare much time for them because I was constantly commuting to work. My job has become my choice and so now I should be able to make time to do it.

This milestone was celebrated with an intimate retirement party attended by more than 100 colleagues, family members and friends who came together to honor his remarkable journey.

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