By Aubreanna Miller
For the Herald
"Golfing, fishing and spending more time with my four grandkids" is what Steve Muir plans to do with his extra time in the new year.
Muir has worked as a full-time insurance agent in Wayne since 1977. After Jan. 1, he will move to part-time.
The Wayne State College graduate has helped community members and businesses in the area, operating under three different company owners: First National Agency, Elkhorn Agency and currently, Agri-City Insurance Agency.
Muir did not always have plans to go into insurance. From WSC, he received his degree in recreation with minors in business and psychology. Someone convinced him to try out insurance and he found a calling working with people. His recreation degree still comes into use when playing with his grandchildren, Muir added.
Since he began in the late '70s, Muir has seen many changes in the insurance world. The need for cyber and fraud insurance has grown drastically, something that would have been unheard of in the past, Muir said.
Outside of the insurance agency, Muir has become a staple in the community. Though he was born and raised in Iowa, he enjoyed Northeast Nebraska enough to create a life here.
"I like the friendly people. I like the size of the town," Muir said. "This is as large of a town as I really want to be in. There is a lot to do here-activities, sporting events, arts, plays and all that. It's not hard to find stuff to do here. And you can be as involved as you want."
For the college, he has served as a trustee to give back to the college that brought him here and introduced him to his wife, Trudy.
He also served on the Country Club Board, helping with many projects over the years.
During the annual Wayne Chicken Show, Muir and co-worker Gary Boehle would help roast chickens during the Chicken Feed. Keeping with the chef theme, the pair would also head sandwich making at the Wayne County fair for many years.
Muir and his wife attend St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wayne.
"My favorite part of this job would be the people I have worked with for decades," Muir said. "Especially the farmers, I really enjoy my clients.
In his absence, much of Muir's work will be taken over by Adam Endicott and Jared Heithold. Heithold will conduct the crop and farm business while Endicott will do the rest.
Muir will stay on part-time to help out as needed and answer any questions. Since he worked in all facets of insurance, managing home, auto, life, farm, crop, long term care and health insurance, Muir has an abundance of wisdom to give.
