Ready for "Whatever"

Lorraine Bolster has been a calm influence at Kasson Eye Care since she started work early in 1986 – two weeks after the office opened.
“And steadying, to those who are nervous about learning new things on the job,” said Christine Leska, who has operated the business since June of ’86. “And I think when it came time to be ‘computerized,’ Lorraine was the most fearful of it, but she became the most adept at it and could teach others about it after a while. She was very persistent, and took lots of notes.”
Bolster, who did a bit of everything at first – working the front desk, making appointments, fitting glasses, helping new contact-wearers – eventually became a certified paraoptometric assistant, and also helps with bookkeeping.
She will retire Feb. 28 after 32 years on the job. The business at 504 S. Mantorville Ave. will host an open house retirement party from 2 to 5 p.m. that day.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the people I’ve worked with, and working with the patients, and being able to help them,” she said. “I think I’m at the point now where I’m ready to enjoy ‘whatever.’”
Bolster, 70, a Blue Earth native, also worked as a secretary with the Federal Aviation Administration in Farmington, at IBM in Rochester, and as a cashier at the Hubbell House.
She said her current job has become more involved over the years, with changes in insurance and software companies. Kasson Eye Care switched from using paper to computers in 1994.
“Big change,” Bolster said.
But, Leska said, “When things come up and they’re puzzling, ask Lorraine. 
“Now who are we going to ask?”
Bolster has six children and 13 grandchildren she’ll get to see more often. And she hopes to travel in retirement.
She grew emotional when asked what she’ll miss about the job.
“Everything,” she said.