Marilyn Zylstra has seen a lot of change throughout her long and rewarding career. As she enters retirement she will be greatly missed as the administrative secretary at Wagner Elementary School. However, the fond memories of Zylstra’s work ethic and devotion will always be remembered.

“Besides moving to Sturgis for around a year or so I have worked at the school for the last fifty plus years. I started out as a floating para running from the armory to the old school. At that time we had classes at the armory. I ran off (the) teacher's papers and helped in the classrooms. I was asked to work in the office and helping with (the) lunch program. From there to the business office—spent several years in the business office and decided to transfer to the elementary office and have been here for several years,” detailed Zylstra.

Prior to working for the school district, Zylstra graduated from high school in 1963 and went to work at the Spot Café and later James Drug. It was while she was employed at the drugstore that she received a call from the superintendent of schools wanting her to come in for an interview.

Zylstra recalled, “...so that’s where my long story begins.”

Throughout her years, Zylstra has seen many changes to student life and school operations. A big difference from her early days to now with students is seeing all of the video gaming that many do plus the increased use of electronic devices by children enrolled at the elementary school.

“Most older kids have cars and phones. Grade school kids now have phones and that was also unheard of,” noted Zylstra.

The COVID-19 pandemic also brought about changes that were new to Zylstra and all of the staff in the school district. Zylstra was impressed with how the educators she worked with were able to handle the extra workload and demands.

She remarked, “The Covid pandemic certainly put a lot of added stress on everyone involved. The added work for teachers was overwhelming and I commend them for keeping it all together.”

After over five decades of work, it is the joys of the job that are the prominent focus. The best part of Zylstra’s position was having elementary principal Carol Ersland as a boss for the past fourteen years. The feeling was definitely mutual as Ersland is set to retire at the end of June and enjoyed every moment of working with Zylstra who she described as “a friend and coworker”.

The two women would often be so busy during the school day that they never finished their morning coffee while it was still hot. A common joke was that they would pour a cup in the morning and by noontime it had gone cold.

“Marilyn stayed with me until I decided to retire. Said she was going out when I went. A super lady, dedicated to all the children and gave her all. I have had good secretaries over my years, but she has been the best,” commented Ersland. “Her phone always rang, students coming in needing a band-aid or ice pack, or copies for teachers. Or kids came in to read to her and she took the time to listen to them.”

Zylstra’s love for old country tunes and how she could be heard singing along to the music when at work will be missed. Those working at the school will also miss her dedication. Even on Zylstra’s last day of work, the principal observed her checking on students and handling paperwork. Zylstra will always be known at the school for her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and devotion to her job.

She will also be remembered for her catchphrase, “glad you are here dear”. It was a phrase Zylstra would say to the students who happened to arrive late to the school building. It was just one of many ways that she showed the pupils that she cared and appreciated them.

“Everyone loves Marilyn. She tells it like it is but everyone knows she cares. Right up to her last day she was asking about what we should do about a certain child, or contact a parent or paperwork. I think it was difficult for her to walk out that East door. She will be missed,” stated Ersland.

As Zylstra enters retirement, she foresees spending more time with her daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Her oldest granddaughter will be a junior at Brookings and her youngest granddaughter will be an eleventh-grader in high school in Sioux Falls.

Zylstra also wished the new secretary and new principal the absolute best for the next school year, as she always felt as though her job allowed her to be surrounded by wonderful people.

She remarked, “My teachers were very respectful to me so that made my job easy. We have a great staff, from the paras, cooks, custodians, subs, bus drivers, secretaries, administration, school board, and especially the teachers and also awesome students.”