| After I was discharged (11-61) I went
back to northern Wisconsin. I knocked around, tended bar, formed
a rock band, worked for the Federal Forestry, etc. etc. In Feb-1963
I ended up in Racine Wisconsin, going to work for Young Radiator, pushing
a hand truck. I took some time to review my opportunities and eventually
posted into Inspection. I quit Young’s in 1965, pursuing a thirst
for knowledge. From 1963 to 1978 I held 20+ job’s (most of them I
left as my choice, not theirs) ending up as Plant Manager of a very large
Jobbing, Machine Shop. I quit there when I got divorced (1980) and
became a Manufacturing Engineering Consultant, working out of my apartment.
I specialized in Computer/Manufacturing Systems, Metal Removal, Quality
Assurance & the Heat Treating of Carbon & Alloy Steels. Until
1993 I led the life of a vagabond, busting my butt, consulting to get a
“Nest Egg” and then fishing and golfing until I became short, which prompted
a search for another client (I never missed a support payment). I
never had to advertise, as I have always enjoyed a very good Professional
Reputation and “word of mouth” kept me in clients.
I am the type that always needs a "Windmill"
to conquer, but one thing that I stayed with was Auto Racing. I First
became involved in 1963, as a chassis man on a AA/GD (drag racing) and
we had the first car to break 200 MPH on "Pump Gas" (Sunoco 260) in the
Quarter Mile. We ran that rail all over the country, including the
hot (at the time) California Strips. Later I went on to Oval Racing,
encompassing Super Modifieds, Winged Outlaw Sprints, ASA, ARCA, USAC &
NASCAR Stocks as a chassis man. The highlight of my racing career
was crewing at Atlanta once for Joe Ruttman.
In 1993 the “Croaker” told me that I
needed a New Heart, so I had to retire. I am not one to sit in the rocker
and wait for that SOB with the scythe, so I have learned to live my slightly
de-tuned life to the fullest. I especially enjoy the company of my
three Daughters and Granddaughter. My Daughters lead their
own lives, but we are much closer now, as compared to when they were younger.
In retrospect? Not too shabby for a
Self Taught, Northern Wisconsin “Stump Jumper”.
Luke The Lid |
