Hiske reflects on 66 years with Alpena law firm
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ALPENA -- Long-time office manager for the Gillard, Bauer, Mazrum, Florip, Smigelski & Gulden law firm Patricia Hiske is retiring after 66 years of service.
"It's going to be completely different," Hiske said, reflecting on what lies ahead now that she is retiring. "I'm going to miss the people I work with and miss working for the public."
To commemorate her long career and achievements, Hiske recently received a special tribute from state officials that thanked her for her hard work and dedication to the job.
This tribute was signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, State Sen. Michele Hoitenga and State Rep. Cam Cavitt, who presented Hiske with the special tribute in person on June 16.
Hiske started her career from the law firm's earliest days, being among the first employees ever hired by one of the firm's founders, Donald K. Gillard.
"I started working here for Donald K. Gillard," Hiske said. "A one attorney, one employee office in 1957 right after high school."
As the office manager at the law firm, Hiske was responsible for keeping the office running in a way that allowed the attorney to work freely. This involved tasks that ranged anywhere from scheduling appointments, orders or vacations to taking calls.
Throughout her 66-year career, Hiske has seen her workplace grow and change as the law firm developed into what it is today.
"It's been interesting," Hiske said, reflecting on how the law firm has changed over the years. "The law has changed greatly, the clients have changed greatly, and the way they do of course improved in some aspects."
Hiske's contributions to the Gillard, Bauer, Mazrum, Florip, Smigelski & Gulden law firm have been appreciated by all those who have worked with her like attorney Joel Bauer, who is grateful for all she has done for the firm and wished her well on the next chapter of her life.
"We have all been honored to work beside Patricia," Bauer said. "She is an amazing lady."
In retirement, Hiske will have more time to herself with no more schedules to keep track of, but she also expressed gratitude to the law firm and its employees that she has seen grow and develop over the years.
"They're an extended family, the ones that I've worked with," Hiske said, reflecting on her time with the law firm. "I've worked with three generations of some of them, it's been fun."