Dr. Max MEKUS retires, 2014

MEKUS, CHRISTNER, PWOL, PETERS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 8/8/2014 at 20:08:45

Mekus wraps 45 years of vet service
By Maggie Jennett

After 45 years of practice, Dr. Max Mekus has closed the door on his Mount Ayr Veterinary Clinic, and as of July 31 Dr. Mekus is officially retired.

It all started in Milo, a little town 30 miles southeast of Des Moines. This is where Dr. Mekus grew up watching his uncle as the town's veterinarian. Mekus enjoyed his uncle's lifestyle and the respect he was given by the town. His uncle was probably the main reason why Dr. Mekus became veterinarian.

Mekus attended Grand View University and Drake University for his undergraduate degree in biology. He then decided to apply to the Iowa State University Veterinarian School.

"I didn't think I would get in," said Dr. Mekus, "but I figured the worst that would happen would be they didn't accept me. If they didn't, I was going to become an accountant."

Before Mekus attended veterinary school, he worked for what is now known as Principal Life Insurance Company in Des Moines. However, Mekus was accepted and graduated from Iowa State University in 1969.

That was the same year Dr. Mekus moved Mount Ayr to start practicing with Dr. Max Pwol. And in 1971, Dr. Mekus bought the vet clinic from Dr. Pwol. Mekus also gained a partner that year, his friend from college, Dr. John Peters, who retired in 2008.

In 1980, Barbara Christner joined the veterinary clinic as the office manager.

"She is a very valuable asset around here. Actually, when people have questions about medications and such, some prefer to talk to her!" laughed Dr. Mekus. Christner will also be leaving this year after 34 years of working at the clinic.

When asked why he became a vet, Dr. Mekus answered with he enjoys working with the livestock, people who own animals and the profession in general.

Mekus said veterinary medicine always keeps him on his toes. "You learn something new every day, even after 45 years," he said.

This is why Mekus won't be completely leaving the practice. Although he officially retired on July 31, he still will be working with a few clients that he holds contracts with.

As for retirement, Dr. Mekus doesn't have any specific ideas on what he plans to do.

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2014

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