For the overwhelming majority of Charbonneau's existence, Duane Wiegand has delivered mail to local doorsteps.
The United States Post Office worker started off as a postman substitute in 1988 before moving to full time in 1990 and continuing in Charbonneau — until retiring recently. During that time, he also worked the reception desk at the SpringRidge retirement community. Wiegand is known for wearing white socks and shorts year-round, as well as his friendly disposition.
"He's a guy everyone likes. He makes himself part of the community. He's friendly. He's a guy that says hello if you're happening to be walking to the mailbox," Charbonneau resident Kerry Eggers said.
Before his time in Charbonneau, Wiegand served in the United States Air Force, traveling to places like Guam, Thailand and Spain to refuel planes. His time in service, from 1972-76, helped him get a masters degree in marriage and family therapy through the GI bill.
"I joined the service to travel and get a GI bill (benefits) and buy a house and I accomplished all those things," he said, adding that traveling across the world gave him a greater appreciation for the United States.
Following his service, Wiegand went to school, and served as a customer service manager. He joined the United States Postal Service in 1988 and never looked back.
Wiegand said he stayed in Charbonneau so long because he felt like it was the place he was supposed to be. And he met a lot of nice people, some of whom he calls friends.
"I prayed about it. God told me that's where I was supposed to be. It was my mission in life for 32 years," he said.
The postman said the most challenging aspect of working in Charbonneau is managing the mail of all of the "snowbirds" — people who spend part of the year in warmer climates.
"Substitutes don't like it. It's challenging to keep track and make sure they get all their mail," he said, adding: "I'm pretty careful, pretty accurate, and the people know that. They know I care about their mail and do my best and make sure they get the right piece of mail every day. They really appreciate that."
And Wiegand has done more than deliver mail in the community. In 2012, he went to check on a resident after a neighbor expressed concerns about their well-being. Upon ringing the doorbell, he heard groaning and called 911. The resident — who was lying on the ground — was transported to the hospital. Wiegand also once helped get assistance after a resident left their burner on and the fire alarm went off.
"I care about my people and that's the kind of guy I am," he said.
Along with delivering mail and serving as a receptionist, Wiegand also ran a counseling practice for a few years.
"There were times I worked up to 110 hours a week. People call me a workaholic," he said.
In retirement, Wiegand plans to conduct a few renovation and maintenance projects at his house. And he also plans to visit Norway with his wife. For the longtime mailman, retiring is bittersweet.
"People were asking me 'Are you happy or sad?' and I would tell them yes. I've been doing this a long time and made a lot of good friends out there," he said. 
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