Every year around Christmas Larry Muche goes to Florida. This year when he returns to Coal Grove, however, he will still be on vacation.

Muche, 66, has been the maintenance man at what is now Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley in Ironton for 41 years and last Thursday his coworkers surprised him with a retirement party.

“I’m surprised. I thought something might be going on but didn’t know for sure,” he said. “Thank you everybody. It has been a pleasure working with you all. I love you.”

Omni Life Health Care Systems President and CEO Dr. Bob Banasik made the trip from Columbus to say farewell to Muche.

“It has been a delight to have you,” Banasik told Muche. “I have enjoyed having you all these years.”

Banasik said Muche has been associated with Sanctuary’s building longer than he has, which was very beneficial.

“We recently did major renovations to this building and no matter what question came up, Larry knew the answer or where to find the answer,” he said. “Employees like Larry make (Omni’s) continued investment in Ironton well worth it.”

Muche hasn’t completely retired, however, since he plans to continue refereeing at ball games in the Tri-State.