Til Dancker is a greeter at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano. She was born in Fond du Lac and graduated from Oakfield High School in 1950.
Dancker worked at a shoe factory in Watertown for a year and then moved to Milwaukee, where she was a machine operator for Briggs & Stratton from 1953 to 1979. She then moved to Shawano, where she owned and operated Til’s Pit Stop between Shawano and Embarrass for 36 years, retiring just this year.
Dancker has two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She lives in Shawano.
Q How did you get started being a greeter?
A “After being in the tavern for 36 years, I was used to seeing people every day. I missed seeing so many people. It was such a difference. I started the middle of September.”
Q How did you know about being a greeter?
A “I know a few people who worked at the hospital. They said they needed volunteers for different things. I wanted a job that didn’t have anything to do with money.”
Q What do you do?
A “For one thing you say ’good morning’ or ’good afternoon’ and make them feel welcome because now nobody knows which direction they should be going. We can get them upstairs or to the clinic. It’s less challenging for them to find the right place. We have to know where to send them.”
Q How often do you volunteer?
A “I have just been volunteering on Wednesdays from 11 to 3. I get to see a lot of people who I wouldn’t see otherwise.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I’m a people person and I really think I should be doing something for somebody. I see a lot of old friends.”
Volunteer coordinator Elaine Gast said she is in need of transporters (people who can take patients to their locations). To volunteer, call the hospital at 715-526-2111.
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