Dresden Postal Worker Retires After 35 Years

DRESDEN (November 25) – Many in the Dresden community will recognize Joe Hatler when he comes to deliver their mail each week, working no matter the weather or holiday. But after more than 35 years, Joe Hatler with the Dresden Post Office has retired.

On Wednesday, November 25, workers of the Dresden Post Office gathered to celebrate Hatler for his many years of service to the community. Dresden Postmaster Joe McCroskey stated Joe Hatler was a great worker who would work during off days and was a model employee. He also said, “He is very dedicated and we are sad to see him go.”

Joe Hatler started working for the United States Postal Service after the births of two of his children; he wanted to be able to better provide for them and started working in Dresden in 1985. He has been a mailman in Dresden since 1985 with the exception of one year.  In that time he got to know many members of the community. Hatler noted one of his favorite things about working in Dresden was the generosity of so many who would provide him with snacks, Band-Aids, gloves and sunglasses. Hatler said this about working and now retiring, “It has been a lot of fun and a lot of hard work … I’m glad I’ve worked as long as I have and glad I can walk out of here.”

He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Tennessee District Manager Chris Alexander.

Hatler is married to Donna Hatler and they have three children together; Jodie, Julie, and Justin and two grandchildren, Terry and Andie.

The Dresden Post Office also released this statement over the retirement party and the limitation of guest and visitors, “Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), in following the recommendations of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and after much thought and careful consideration the Dresden post office, on behalf of the Postmaster, feel the decision to keep the gathering at a minimum, was best for the safety and well-being of Joe’s family, customers, co-workers and friends, while celebrating here at our office.”

If anyone would like to send letters or cards to Joe Hatler, they can mail them to the Dresden Post Office at 122 W. Maple St., Dresden, Tennessee 38225, and the team will see to it that he receives them.