Long-time Minot realtor Gary Kramlich is retiring from Watne Real Estate. Kramlich has been in the real estate business for over 56 years. He went to his first realtor in fall of 1963 and has been with Watne for the past 26 years.

“I’m closer to 80 than most people so it’s time to quit and enjoy life,” Kramlich said.

In addition to being a realtor, Kramlich has been involved with many organizations around town over the years. His involvement includes:

— Chairman of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce

— Chaired task force to start the Housing Finance Agency

— Served as Chairman of HFA under three different governors

— On National Executive Committee for the Small Business Association

— Started the Ambassador’s Club with the Chamber

— Chairman of the Des Moines Federal Bank for seven years

— Vice President of Home Builders for the seven-state region

“I’ve seen a lot of things come and go over the years,” Kramlich said.

He also had a home building business that built homes in Burlington, Surrey, and 23 other communities throughout northwestern North Dakota. The business had offices in Williston, Dickinson, Bismarck, Minot, Carrington and Underwood. Kramlich and his partner dispersed their holdings in 1989.

Kramlich decided it’s time to hang up the keys and stop being a realtor, but his ties to Watne aren’t undone yet. Kramlich will stay on with the company until around January as a mentor and to help train new agents.

“We have six new agents in our office now and we’re going to be pushing to gain another eight to 10,” Kramlich said.

On August 7, Watne will be hosting a retirement open house for Kramlich for customers to celebrate Kramlich’s time in the Minot community as a realtor.