Employee retires after 52 years of dedication at Cascades

Fred Weltzin, an employee of Cascades, has retired after 52 years of dedication. Dozens of family members and colleagues gathered to honor him, sharing stories, laughter, and sweet moments.

Fred began his journey at the factory in 1972, with his last shift being on Tuesday, the 22nd. Throughout his career, he worked in various roles but spent most of his time at the water treatment station in the boiler room and the stock system, where he cleaned recycled paper. Reflecting on his time at the company, Fred stated, “It went fast, I probably didn’t intend on staying here for that long and I enjoyed it”.

The factory manager, Bob Decker, who had known Fred for over 30 years, praised his character and dedication. “Fred set a great example for the next generation of employees about how to live life, how to enjoy your job and how to be proud of what you do”, he stated.

As he bid farewell, Fred offered advice to young employees: work hard, take pride in your craft, and have fun along the way. Regarding retirement, Fred plans to spend his time hunting from a tree stand, working on small projects, and enjoying the company of his grandchildren.