Camp Sherman postmaster retires

A familiar face will be missing from behind the counter at Camp Sherman's Post Office. Jon Sheldahl, after 11 years service to Camp Sherman postal customers, is retiring.

Local folks not only transact postal business but also cross paths with neighbors in the community at the Camp Sherman Post Office. The office also contains a small library of magazines, books and local information that readers have come to depend upon.

Sheldahl has served as president of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS) and a member of their National Budget Committee. He presently sits on Camp Sherman's Black Butte School Board and is a member of the Camp Sherman/Sisters Fire Department Budget Committee.

His family includes wife Karen, also a postmaster, and two children, Kenny, 16, and Katie, age nine. They live at Metolius Meadows in Camp Sherman.

Sheldahl says future plans are open at present. He has been a distance runner and enjoys photography.

Commenting on his duties as postmaster, Sheldahl says "One of the nicest things about the job were the people."

Sheldahl often would introduce strangers to one another if their interests seemed to match. He remembers introducing two ladies in their 60s, because Sheldahl thought they had lived in Camp Sherman for many years and had possibly gone to school together. Indeed, both had been students at Black Butte School many years before when it was located at the Allingham school site. Slowly they recognized one another and hugged each other as long lost friends.

Another story surrounds the "Camp Sheldahl" plaque hanging on the wall at the entrance to the Sheldahl home. A friend painted it after Jon had received mail at Camp Sheldahl with no other postal identification as to address or community.

Sheldahl thanked all the people who have helped him and his family along the way

"This is a close-knit community," he said. "People get along and are always willing to help."

Sheldahl reminisced about his 32 years of federal service and his start in the postal service during the Watergate era.

"I wondered what I could do to better serve my country in a time when that was unfashionable," he said. "A postal career opened up and I have tried to do the best job possible serving people."

Several goodbyes were exchanged with long-time Camp Sherman friends last week. A special cake was served at the Camp Sherman Store, adjacent to the post office, on Sheldahl's last day. A dessert potluck was also held at Camp Sherman's Community Hall honoring his service to the community.