Kathy Fitzgerald

Kathy Fitzgerald has achieved a goal, returning to Cherokee as postmaster after being named the postmaster in Sioux Rapids three years ago.

"I liked Sioux Rapids but Cherokee is really special to me. The people here are so friendly and helpful," Fitzgerald said.

Originally from Lewistown in southeast Minnesota, she graduated from Lewiston High School in 1979.

A friend goaded Fitzgerald into joining her in taking the postal service examination. Fitzgerald showed up for the exam but the friend did not. Fitzgerald did well and was given a carrier position in Cherokee. That was in 1985. Fitzgerald worked the next 20 years at the post office in Cherokee before becoming the postmaster in Sioux Rapids.

Her predecessor, Todd Oxley, was promoted to a larger post office in southern Iowa, opening up the opportunity for Fitzgerald to become the first woman to be postmaster in Cherokee. She has enjoyed working at the post office in each of her positions. "It's the best job there is," she said.

The job is evolving, along with the postal service itself.

"It is being run more like a business," Fitzgerald commented, "At one time, all you had to worry about was getting the mail delivered. There is more accountability and more outreach than there used to be."

Various cost factors are now broken down in more detail and figured into the cost of different types of service.

Postal rates are evaluated every year. Fitzgerald said the "forever stamp" has made the price adjustments easier for postal customers.

The postal service hasn't yet determined whether Sioux Falls will take over totally from Sioux City as being the regional hub for this area's postal service. Already, Sioux Falls is processing the Saturday mail from Cherokee. Fitzgerald said this has not had much impact on service but there would be some impact if Sioux Falls took over entirely for the Cherokee area.

Her husband, Rod, manages a 3,000 sow hog operation. They live near Peterson. Her son, Tyler Klotz, has recently returned from Iraq and is now an Army recruiter.