Sackmann looks back on a blessed life

Editor's Note: This is the final installment of a three-part series featuring Dennis Sackmann

Ritzville - It didn't take long for word to spread. Dennis Sackmann, a.k.a. "MacGyver," had been laid off by the new manager at the grange supply store. He was available.

"By that afternoon, I had received two or three phone calls offering me employment elsewhere," he said.

One offer came from Mitch Hille, who ran the local Chevrolet dealership. Hille needed a service manager.

Sackmann worked there for about a year until his brother-in-law, Scott Fitch, offered him a job as the store manager at Spike's Texaco and convenience store.

But in the late 1990s, new businesses were cropping up across the highway - a Chevron station, McDonald's, another gas station and convenience store. Fitch, feeling the pressure of new competition, decided to return to Spike's Texaco as manager.

"I understood his decision," Sackmann said. "He had to cut costs. It was a prudent move to keep the business running."

At that time, his mother-in-law suggested employment with Adams County. Sackmann applied, and on Feb. 9, 1999, went to work for the county as a mechanic's assistant.

Back then, the county used outside companies for most of their maintenance needs. But whenever mechanical problems arose - a boiler, elevator, or electrical issue, for example, county staff would be called in.

In 2006, the county built a new public services building in Othello.

Current Public Works Director Todd O'Brien said he began considering the use of county employees to maintain county facilities, instead of outside contractors.

"Todd asked if I'd be interested taking on a new position as facilities manager, Sackmann said. "I accepted and became the county's facilities manager for the next 17 years."

Over time his responsibilities grew.

"We took over operation and maintenance of the county's two transfer stations in Ritzville and Othello, as well as the county fairgrounds in Othello," he said. "Whatever we could do for ourselves, we did. We only brought in specialists for certain major projects."

His family was growing, as well.

Four daughters - Amber, Lisa, Denae and Danielle - graced the Sackmann home. That brought new opportunities and challenges.

"Raising four daughters - there was always something that needed fixing, drains clogged from excessive hair buildup, curling irons and hair dryers that stopped working, stuff like that," he said. "That's why my family gave me the nickname 'MacGyver.' I always found a way to fix their broken items instead of buying new ones."

When his girls were in high school, Sackmann volunteered as a timer at track events and kept the score book for the high school basketball team.

"I was honored to work with Harold Undeburg, Al McBroom, Dwight Pflugrath, Randy Heidenreich and others," he recalled.

His work at the local fire department also kept Sackmann busy.

On Labor Day weekend in 2011, the local Starbucks received a bomb threat.

"We went from block to block, evacuating the neighborhood," he recalled. "Phone calls were made to the Spokane and Tri-Cities bomb squads, but they weren't available. Tim Wellsandt and I volunteered to search Starbucks for a bomb."

They checked the whole building and found nothing.

"I look back now and think, 'How stupid was that?'" he said.

In October of that year, Mayor Linda Kadlec presented Sackmann and Wellsandt with "First Responder of the Year" awards.

"That was a real honor," he said.

When he retired from his county job in December of last year, the county lost a true "MacGyver."

"Looking back on my life," Sackmann said, "I reflect on Jeremiah 29:11-13: 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'"

"From the farm to college to the co-op to Spikes to the county-God placed me in each one of those spots and gave me the abilities to succeed."

In retirement, Sackmann anticipates spending more time with his wife and grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, continuing to lead worship at the local Foursquare church, and perfecting his woodworking skills.