MARSHFIELD, Wis. (WSAW) – Ricky Derfus started as an auto body technician in 1981. He has worked through many vehicle advancements in over four decades of servicing cars.
After 45 years of vehicle servicing and 43 years at V&H Automotive in Marshfield, Derfus has seen many changes in the automobile industry.
“Computers, yes. I’m not that sharp with computers, but car computers seem to be okay to figure out what’s going on with them,” Derfus said.
People once came to Derfus for help on mechanical issues. Now he is sought after for electronic issues, turning him from a mechanic to a technician.
While vehicle diagnostics have made it easier to find out what is wrong, it has not made it easier to fix them.
“I think it is getting more difficult, like I say, with all the computers and yeah, it’s just, it’s, it’s getting harder. I don’t think they make it any easier than it used to be a long time ago with points and yeah, it’s in carburetors, but it is getting harder,” Derfus said.
Despite the differences in cars from when Derfus first started his career until now, he has continued to learn to master his craft. V&H Automotive sent Derfus back to school to learn the intricacies of modern-day vehicles.
He embraced the change in technology for a while. But he is ready to close this chapter of his life.
“Ricky will be greatly missed; he’s always smiling. He’s always in a good mood. He’ll talk to anybody, and no matter the situation, he makes very light of it and enjoys life in every aspect of it,” said Shawn Asseln, a service manager at V&H Automotive.
Derfus admitted that he does not like change.
“So I guess we’ll see what happens… next chapter in my life,” Derfus said.
In retirement, Derfus will spend time with his grandkids and find new bike trails around the state with his wife.
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