A Super Sendoff for the Public Works Superintendent

City staffers on Wednesday noted the numerous changes that have occurred in Woodbury since Superintendent Dick Riemenschneider has been employed with the city.

With more than 40 years under his belt, Riemenschneider is the longest-tenured employee in Woodbury’s history, and he is retiring on Friday.

Public Works Director David Jessup mentioned the 40 new parks, 120 miles of new trails and other improvements in the city that Riemenschneider has had a hand in over the past four decades.

But one thing hasn’t changed, Jessup said with a slight smile as his presentation showed old photos of Riemenschneider on a screen at . There was a photo of Riemenschneider with a wide collar, and another of him with long curly hair.

“I would just draw your attention to the mustache and the glasses,” Jessup said, drawing laughs from those in attendance at Wednesday’s council meeting.

Jessup went on to talk about Riemenschneider’s willingness to tackle big projects, his “forward-thinking” and the fact that he “always, always came to work with a positive, can-do attitude.”

“He genuinely cared about the people he was involved with,” Jessup said.

Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens presented Riemenschneider with a plaque for his service to the city, and Bob Klatt, Parks and Recreation director, talked about how much he learned from Riemenschneider over the years.

“It’s been an honor to be able to work with you with you,” Klatt said.

For his part, Riemenschneider said he always touted the virtues of Woodbury, even back when people didn’t know much about the city. He said the citizens have always been supportive, noting the four referenda for parks that have passed.

Riemenschneider also lauded city officials for their efforts to foster growth in Woodbury without succumbing to special interests.

“It has been so super to work under those conditions,” he said.

Riemenschneider began his career with the city as a parks keeper on Nov. 1, 1971.

“Dick brought many talents to the City through his leadership and strong commitment to the City,” reads a resolution unanimously passed in his honor Wednesday. “He has gained tremendous knowledge and history of the City, which will be greatly missed.”

Over the years, Riemenschneider saw the city grow from 6,200 residents to the 63,000 today, and was promoted several times along the way.

“Boy, it’s just been teriffic to work here,” he said.

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