To the editor:

Because I had worked part time for Dr. LeRoy Affolter, optometrist, (reporter) Deb Gau called to ask if I had remembrances to share as she was writing an article for the next day’s Independent. I didn’t find her message in time to reply, so I thought I would share my memories of Dr. Affolter here.

I applied to work at his office when my late husband, Robert, retired from the Marshall Police Department in November of 1988, due to episodes of fatigue, which some 8 years later resulted in triple by-pass surgery at age 49. In between filing records, adjusting glasses and helping patients choose a frame, Dr. Affolter allowed me to prepare for my mornings teaching Pre-K at Samuel Lutheran School, which with a family of five, was very helpful.

Dr. Affolter was very precise in making the necessary measurements for lenses and frames and checked each order when it arrived. He enjoyed working and talking with patients of all ages. A favorite field trip for my 4-year- old students, was a trip to his office in connection with learning the short and long sounds with the letter “O”. “O” is for Optometrist. Besides learning what an optometrist does, Dr. Affolter offered to screen each child’s vision.

Even at a young age, a child’s vision health can be observed by how their eyes focus on near and far objects. Each child got a turn to sit in the big chair and watch part of “Charlotte’s Web” as Dr. Affolter observed their eyes. Nearsightedness was sometimes noted and with further testing, a child eventually fitted with glasses saw more clearly. Lazy eye, which can result in blindness if not treated, was noticed in one child, giving the parents the opportunity to start follow-up care.

Dr. Affolter’s wife, Carol, passed away suddenly, shortly after he retired. As Deb Gau’s article noted, “Doc” continued to keep in touch with Marshall business people and activities. He enjoyed encountering former patient and attended many of their funerals.

Our friendship continued over the years. Our last outing was to the new ice cream shop on East College Drive. Dr. Affoltor was a valued optometrist, an active community member, a good friend and a faithful Christian. I am thankful he was a part of my life.

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall