Clayton County Clerk’s Office honors Pope for 40 years of service
Judge Alan Heavens (left), Courtlyn Rentschler, Billie Jo Farmer and Judge John Bauercamper helped honor Lori Pope for her 40 years of dedicated service at the Clayton County Clerk’s Office.
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
On June 7, Lori Pope of the Clayton County Clerk’s Office was recognized for 40 years of service with the Iowa Judicial Branch.
Judges Alan Heavens and John Bauercamper commemorated the event with an engraved plaque, certificate from the Supreme Court of Iowa and personal letter signed by Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen thanking Pope for her service and dedication. Others in attendance at the ceremony were District Court Administrator Linda Nilges, Assistant District Court Administrator Lena Heit, Clayton County Clerk of Court Johnna Ihns Sutton and Clayton County Clerk of Court staff Billie Jo Farmer and Courtlyn Rentschler.
Bauercamper commented that Pope is one of the longest serving employees in Iowa clerk of court offices, having served Clayton County for 40 years under five different clerks.
“Lori has successfully trained many new employees over the years and is considered a go-to person who other clerk staff contact for advice regularly. She enjoys the respect and confidence of both the bench and bar, who all greatly value her service to both us and the people of Clayton County,” Bauercamper said.
Nilges added, “During her 40-year tenure, Ms. Pope has made tremendous individual contributions to court operations and within the legal community. She has seen significant changes over the years, and her unwavering steadfastness and work ethic have been evident to all around her. Lori’s dedication to the Iowa judicial branch is beyond reproach and we are most grateful to have her on our team. I wish to congratulate and thank Lori for her many years of service.”
As for the recipient herself, Pope was overwhelmed during the ceremony, truly surprised and overcome by emotion when the true nature of everyone’s attendance was revealed.
“I had no idea I was going to be presented with the certificate and plaque. When I was handed the certificate, letter and plaque, it was difficult for me to speak. I felt honored to be presented this award with judges Bauercamper and Heavens present along with Linda Nilges, Lena Heit from court administration and Johnna Ihns Sutton, the new clerk of court for Clayton County, and my co-workers,” Pope remarked. “It was really special for me that judge Bauercamper was present. He was the juvenile judge when I started, so I have known him from the beginning. I don’t think there are too many judges I can say that about.”
Over 40 years, Pope remembered when working in the clerk’s office was an elected position, so it was truly about service to the public. That is an attitude she has maintained over the decades, and it’s one of the first things she tells new employees.
Pope values happy customers and looks to make each one happier when they leave the office than when they arrived. Over the years, this mindset has seen customers reward her with thank you notes, cards and phone calls.
“These kind gestures always make me feel like I have done my job well. I have probably stayed this long because of that, plus I enjoy seeing and conversing with judges, court reporters and attorneys as well as other judicial employees,” Pope said. “I also like the kind of work we do in the clerk’s office. It hasn’t always been the easiest place to work, but I am glad I stuck it out.”
