A smiling face behind the counter at the Oxford Township office is retiring this week.
‘I’m just ready to get on with my life,? said Margaret Wiltfang, assistant to the treasurer. ‘I want to be able to enjoy my life.?
Wiltfang began working for the township on a temporary basis in July 2001. She was hired as a full-time employee in January the following year.
Hers is usually the pleasant face people first encounter when they need help at the treasurer’s portion of the counter.
From property taxes and sewer bills to dog license and building permit fees, Wiltfang collects every dime that comes into the township offices. She also handles all property transfers and filing the paperwork for homestead exemptions.
‘I do a little bit of everything,? said Wiltfang, who will turn 66 in August.
Wiltfang decided to retire July 17 because she’s ready for a calmer life.
‘This is a stressful job,? she admitted. ‘You have to be accurate, on the ball. You want to make sure you’re up to that. Some people are aggressive about their taxes being too high and you have to be able to handle that.?
Her favorite part of the job has been the people, from her friendly co-workers to the residents she serves.
‘That’s what I’m going to miss the most,? Wiltfang said. ‘I do like to be around people. I was brought up in a large family.?
Wiltfang was born in Dryden and attended kindergarten at the old Thomas school in the northeastern part of the township.
She moved to Independence Township at the age of 5 and has lived there ever since with the exception of four years in Waterford. She attended Clarkston Schools from first grade through her high school graduation in 1960.
Wiltfang is looking forward to spending her retirement traveling with her husband of nearly 44 years, Henry, and maybe doing some volunteer work.
Although she’s looking forward to having more free time, Wiltfang admitted it’s hard to leave the township office.
‘I’m going to miss it,? she said.