By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Of all the Christmas gifts that Jane Cremeans and Tim Heydinger will receive this year, there is one they’re certain to enjoy for the rest of their lives – retirement.
The two First Federal Community Bank vice presidents and mortgage loan officers enjoyed a retirement party with co-workers on Friday.
“Tim (Heydinger) is like a brother to me,” Cremeans said. “They (First Federal co-workers) are like family to me. I’ve been here every day for 40 years. There’s not a day I haven’t looked forward to coming to work.”
Although they started at First Federal six years apart, Cremeans in 1973 and Heydinger in 1979, their careers have run on nearly the same tracks. Both managed branch offices for First Federal – Cremeans at the South branch when it opened and Heydinger at New Washington shortly after it opened. They also share the same titles now as assistant vice presidents and mortgage loan officers.
Now they’ll share a last day at work on Dec. 31.
“I think I was the first one to decide I was really going to go,” said Heydinger.
Cremeans said when she started the operations were much smaller than what they are now with just six employees.
“We all have a mutual respect for each other,” Cremeans said.
They acknowledged things have changed dramatically in the banking industry in the four decades they been at First Federal.
“Now there are laws that really restrict us as what we can do,” Cremeans said.
Heydinger admitted, “We’re used to the old ways, it’s not even close (to the way it used to be).”
Neither will lack for things to do come January.
“I’m going to do something,” Cremeans said. “I’ve already signed up for classes at North Central State College.
She’s also going to volunteer with BORN – Bucyrus Outreach and Restoration Network. “I do plan to volunteer in the community and try to help people because I’ve made a lot of friends here at First Federal. I hope I can help people in some other way than working here at First Federal.
Heydinger said he’ll stay active at least part of the time by playing golf.
“I enjoy outdoor activities, I like to fish. I’m involved in the American Legion, I’ll probably spend a lot more time doing that. I’ll take it easy, see what comes and go from there,” Heydinger added.
Like Cremeans, Heydinger made it clear it wasn’t so much what they did, but who they did it for and who they worked with that he’ll miss the most.
“The people, that includes the customers and the people that work here.”