BAY CITY — In his 40 years as an auto technician, Mark Voss never thought he’d see computers in cars. He also thought he wouldn’t need reading glasses on the job.
But after four decades of turning wrenches, Voss has seen a lot of changes in the automotive world. He retires today at 11:11 a.m. to coincide with today’s date: 11/11/11. It also happens to be his 58th birthday.
“He’s one of those rare employees that, as a company, you have very few of,” said Joseph Thelen, general manager of Thelen Subaru. “He was the kind of technician who’d come up to the lounge and talk to the customer.”
Thelen said he was lucky to have a such a seasoned mechanic on his team. Voss has six years more seniority than any other employee at Thelen. He said Voss was factory certified for both Mazada and Volkswagen automobiles.
Voss said he started working at Wells Motors in 1971, a car dealership that predated Thelen Subaru. After Wells Motors was bought by Thelen in 1977, Voss decided to stay and work with today’s Thelen Subaru dealership, located at 1112 N. Euclid Ave.
Voss said he felt it was time to retire about two years ago, around the time he had to get his reading glasses. During his tenure, cars have become more technical and difficult to maintain. And with the advent of onboard computers, an idea he scoffed at years ago, he now spends more time reprograming onboard computers and fixing dashboard light warnings on top of his regular repairs.
“I have more and more of that all the time,” he said. “When I started here there was no such thing as a check-engine light. It’s time for the young kids to take over.”
Mechanic Mark Peterson, who started at Thelen Subaru six years ago, has worked next to Voss’ repair bay for the past four years and said he’s enjoyed working with Voss’ jovial attitude.
“When I first came here, Voss kind of — I guess you could say he took me under his wings,” said Peterson, 27 of Frankenmuth. “It was funny because I would always go and ask him questions, and now it’s I am always helping him. For the first year I was always unsure of things and now everything’s gotten so complicated he always comes to me to help him.”
Voss said he’s looking forward to relaxing after today. He said he plans to spend time with his family, further is wood carving hobby and maintain his ’68 Chevrolet Impala.
As a way of thanking Voss for nearly 35 years of service, Thelen said the dealership will foot the cost for a vacation of Voss’ choice.
In related news, Kathy LaLonde and her staff at Little House, 924 N. Water St., in Bay City, invite customers to drop by to celebrate LaLonde's birthday today.
“This Friday, 11-11-11 is my birthday,” she said. “There is chocolate cake, 11 specials and gifts for my customers.”
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