LA GRANGE — After four decades of dedicated service, Gary Don Nietsche, esteemed general manager of Fayette Electric Cooperative, prepares to embark on his well-deserved retirement on July 1 after 43 years of service.
His journey with Fayette EC began on February 1, 1981, when he joined the cooperative as an assistant to General Manager J.C. Warhol. He decided to take the job because it combined his love of engineering with an opportunity to move back to his hometown of La Grange after a career as a manufacturing engineer with Texas Instruments.
Over the years, he assumed various roles within the cooperative, briefly serving as line superintendent from September to December 1981 before resuming his position as Mr. Warhol’s assistant. When Mr. Warhol fell ill in 1986, the board entrusted him to assume his responsibilities, leading to his appointment as general manager in 1987.
Throughout his career, Nietsche actively contributed to Fayette EC’s growth and success, holding various positions of responsibility. He participated in numerous Texas Electric Cooperative committees, including TEC’s board of directors, the Treating Division, and the Member Services and Communications Committee.
Additionally, he served on the boards of the Association of Wholesale Customers and the Lower Colorado River Authority’s GenTex board and as secretary of the GFS Electric Cooperative board.
His focus on the rural communities the cooperative served never wavered. He ensured Fayette EC prioritized its community engagement and service to its members. “We did whatever we had to do to make it work for the people we served, that’s the co-op way,” Nietsche said. “If we could do it, I made sure we did it or learned how to do it.” Nietsche continued, “My favorite part of my career was the people I worked with and the members I served over the years. I learned so much from every one of them and continue to do so today.”
As he looks forward to retirement, Nietsche plans to spend time with his fam- ily, finish lingering projects, and read his way through “a big pile of books.” “I wish the best of luck to Fayette Electric Cooperative, the next general manager, the employees, the board of directors, and most importantly, our members. I will miss you all,” he said.
