Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Last Friday, May 30 Ken Harlemert reported for work for the last time as a postal employee before retiring. He has been the postmaster at Osgood since 1987, and has been with the service since 1970. His first appointment as postmaster was at Holton in 1978.

Harlemert began his life-long career quite by accident, but one he’s never regretted. After attending Indiana University to pursue a degree in accounting and serving in the US Army, Harlemert returned home to his family’s farm near Osgood. One day when the mail carrier came by, a casual conversation led to him accepting a temporary position at the Osgood Post Office. Thirty-eight years later, he retired as postmaster.

When asked what was the hardest part of leaving, Harlemert didn’t hesitate, “the people,” he quickly answered. He said the employees at the Osgood facility are a close knit group - friends.

About the changes over the years, Harlemert said there were many. He remembers when all the mail was sorted by hand, now replaced with machines. Computers have completely changed the operation of the small town postal service.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, also put a stamp of change on the operation with security tightened and procedures very different. “We used to have school tours come through the mail room,” Harlemert told the Osgood Journal. That ceased after the terrorist attacks.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying my retirement,” Harlemert smiled, revealing some of his plans. He’ll have more time to be with his aging father, work on his farm, spend time with grandson, Jacob, who will be one-year-old in July, and anticipate the birth of another grandchild soon. And, of course, he’ll find time to golf.

“I’ve already been recruited to babysit,” he laughed, saying he looks forward to the time he’ll share with his grandchildren.

Harlemert and wife, Janet, have two children, son, Kyle and wife Nikki; daughter Jessica and husband Kevin Coyner, all of the Indianapolis area.

Originally from the Osgood/Napoleon area, Harlemert, a graduate of Jac-Cen-Del, looks forward to retiring in an area where he has made many friends over the years. “It’s a good place to live...I feel lucky,” he shared.

Although she said Harlemert’s shoes would be hard to fill, Lynne Miller will be the officer in charge of the Osgood Post Office until a permanent postmaster is named.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO It was all smiles last Friday for Ken Harlemert (third from left) as he worked for the last time with the employees at the Osgood Post Office where he has served as postmaster since 1987. Pictured from left are: Sandra Wenning, James Adams, Harlemert, Mike Hooton, John Eaglin, and David Bryant. There was good natured bantering as the employees wished him good luck on his retirement.