The U.S. Postal Service is always changing. When Dorothy Kuntz Gladsjo began working for the post office, a stamp cost a quarter. Thirty-five years later it costs 78 cents, and she’s retiring as Wrangell postmaster.
Born and raised in Wrangell, she was sent to the post office as a youngster to check the box for mail. That wasn’t her gateway into a career, however. “I was inspired by Barney Iversen, who served as postmaster for 30 years. He told me it was one of the best jobs ever,” said Gladsjo.
She began as a clerk, learning all parts of the job. Wrangell was identified as a model post office, sending clerks to other parts of the state to help new postmasters with organization and administration. Gladsjo gained experience by traveling across Alaska, from Skagway in Southeast to Wainwright on the North Slope. That experience helped shape her vision of the mission and purpose of a post office.
She became postmaster in Wrangell in 2005, determined to run a professional, efficient and caring office. “The post office touches every single person in town, and it’s important that we are reliable and trustworthy.” She loves that everyone comes to the building.
She also understands why people sometimes get frustrated.She became postmaster in Wrangell in 2005, determined to run a professional, efficient and caring office. “The post office touches every single person in town, and it’s important that we are reliable and trustworthy.” She loves that everyone comes to the building.
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