WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder ended his career Tuesday on a high note, receiving numerous accolades from members of the county commission.
The 67-year-old Yoder announced three months ago he would be retiring at the end of 2017. Instead, Tuesday was his last day and consequently his final county commission meeting, as well.
Yoder conceded he was intentionally tight-lipped about his earlier-than-expected last day in hopes of avoiding hype and fanfare.
Nonetheless, board chairman Allen Balog spoke candidly and affectionately about Yoder prior to reading a resolution recognizing the Leelanau County native.
Yoder for four years served as the county’s first administrator when the position was created in 1990. He returned in April 2013, succeeding Judy West-Wing. Commissioners last month selected human resources director Teresa Doehring, a Mendon resident, as Yoder’s replacement.
A modest Yoder deflected the commission’s recognition and focused instead on his successor. Yoder, whose salary was $120,000 this year, said he looks forward to returning to life “up north,” where he and his retired wife have a house in Suttons Bay, a community of which Yoder previously served as mayor.
