Oldenburg provides more than just a delivery service

At 77, Skip Oldenburg could just sit back in his recliner in his Brookfield home and take it easy every day.

He could simply enjoy what life brings him.

But what brings joy to his life is when he brings joy to other people's lives.

"I've had a good life and I've enjoyed everything I've done, and it's about time that I give something back," Oldenburg said. "It's important that I do."

He volunteers with the city of Brookfield's Senior Center, delivering hot meals to homebound residents through the Waukesha County Meal Program.

Oldenburg has participated in the program for about nine years, and twice a week he drives to about 20 homes in Brookfield and Elm Grove.

Not just meals

He doesn't just drop off the meals and leave. He forms a connection with these people, many of whom are alone and sick with a debilitating illness.

"It's more than just delivering food," Oldenburg said. "Just 30 seconds is all it takes and then they're happy. That's the highlight of the day for most of them."

He, along with the 22 other drivers who are a part of the program, are also watchdogs over the people they serve.

On one occasion in the summer he walked into a house that was sweltering because the person living there didn't think to turn the air-conditioning on. Oldenburg, however, made sure it was on before he left.

Another time he got social services involved because a house continually smelled like urine.

"I think it's important we do it," he said. "If I didn't think it wasn't important, I wouldn't bother. I think we have to give back to the community in whatever way we can. And this is my way in giving back to the community."

Appreciating variety

He's also a friend to clients.

"The funny thing is you've got to listen to what the people are saying but you can't listen to them in terms of words," he said. "I often hear, 'You're late.' And I'm thinking, 'No I'm not, I'm ahead of schedule.' What she's really saying is, 'I wanted to talk to someone and you weren't here when I wanted to talk to you.'

"It's fun and for every person that we deliver a meal to, you get a different personality. You get a different outlook on life."