Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

Wayne Ziska, a bear of a man who worked for the City of Roseau in various capacities for more than 15 years, walked out the door for the final time last Friday, May 27.

He exited smiling.

His coworkers hated to see him go.

But Mr. Ziska, 62 and a working man all his life, swore years ago that he would hang it up at age 62.

And he did!

At a mid-May lunch break at the city shop, he explained that he didn't need a lot to live on and wasn't planning anything fancy in his retirement.

He has his year-around home in the woods, and he can survive on squirrels, venison, and fish.

He threw in a pinch of snus and recalled his Army days when the lucky guys, who were counting down the remaining days until their discharge, were known as "short-timers."

Mr. Ziska was getting so short that he only ate half of the sandwich that his wife made for his lunch that day.

"I can get by on very little," he said.

And now, the City of Roseau will have to get by without a fine worker who invariably took everything in stride.

He didn't come charging out of the blocks like a world class sprinter.

No, sir!

He was a big old bear, almost like Smokey the Bear.

"He's the most dependable and reliable guy you could ask for and is handy with all types of equipment," said coworker Gary Przekwas about 10 days before Mr. Ziska pulled the pin.

"Don't worry about Wayne," he said. "Everybody else starts at 7 in the morning. Wayne starts at five to seven. He just gets up and walks out."

Przekwas, who is not prone to superlatives or quick compliments, remains impressed with the big guy's job performance.

"He's very conscientious and makes sure he always gets the job done," he said, adding that Wayne never complains.

Mr. Przekwas immediately smiled and then added one exception.

"There's only one thing that I've ever heard him complain about," he said. "Deep snow and meter reading. They go together."

Brad Petersburg, another coworker, added that he calls the big guy "Bear Pa" and that he's easy going.

"He's a good guy to work with and full of b.s.," he said.

A week ago Wednesday at the Roseau City Park shelter, Monica Ziska hosted her husband's retirement party.

There were plenty of free eats.

Spotted at one table was Angie Vonasek, a secretary for the City of Roseau, who said she was going to miss him.

"I call him "Whiskers" and he's awesome," she said. "We're going to miss him."

Then she laughed.

"Like a toothache!"

Ms. Vonasek explained that she works at the City Center, which was Wayne's final duty station.

"He's an all-around great guy," she said. "Everybody can count on him, and he's there for everyone."

Shortly, here came Tommy Hovorka, a retired city worker, from in out of the rain a week ago Wednesday evening.

Gary Przekwas, Wayne, and Angie Vonasek

"I just told Wayne, 'Every time you pulled the street sweeper out in the spring, it snowed! Now, you're having your retirement party and it rains,'" he said.

Then, Mr. Hovorka added the punchline, which had all the lads laughing.

Around the table, Wayne was immediately dubbed as "Thunder and Lightning" Ziska.

A few minutes later, Mr. Ziska approached the table like he was a professional greeter.

He was all smiles and could work for Walmart if times ever get tough.

"It'll be 16 years in October that I hired on at the city," he said, not having to add that he will be happily retired by then.

What will he be doing with all his free time?

Chasing Mama?

"I'll do my best," he said with a big grin.