Jasper Man Retires After 68 years of Employment at Local Dealership

Jasper - Jasper's Ted Bartley celebrated retirement in style at Ruxer Ford after exactly 68 years of employment at the dealership.

In 1953, Bartley had been working for a smaller dealership in Ireland, Indiana. Looking to get more into car sales, Bartley stopped into Ruxer Ford, where he had purchased his own vehicle. Beginning May 10th, 1953, Bartley saw generations of cars and trucks leave the lot.

"It's in the thousands," said Bartley.

As for his favorite car, you guessed it, a Ford.

"Well Ford's the favorite car," Bartley said. "In fact, I was driving a Ford when I started."

Bartley and his coworkers celebrated Monday with cake and conversation.

One of Bartley's coworkers, General Manager Gary Weinzapfel, remembers Ted's expertise.

"As I moved up through the business, Ted was always there," Weinzapfel said. "When I became sales manager, I was intimidated because Ted knew more about selling cars than I ever would. Here, I was supposed to be his manager."

On Ted's impact on Ruxer Ford, Weinzapfel added, "Over the years, Ted's really meant a lot to this dealership and we appreciate everything that he put into it."