Accounting for Life's Opportunities

After high school graduation, my first non-farm job was as assistant to the controller at Pacific Grape Products in Modesto; Alex Rasmussen was the controller.  At the cannery season’s end, Alex suggested I pick up some classes at Modesto Junior College – my salary was to remain the same.  My instructors were Mr. Herbert Florcken in economics and Mrs. Elizabeth Armstrong in accounting.  Mr. Ronald Julien, a science faculty member, asked if I would assist with the athletics department funds which I agreed to do while attending classes.  Mr. Julien also suggested I contact a new CPA in Modesto – William C. Carson.  I was hired as a junior accountant; later I was informed the reason I was picked was because I wore a tie to the interview.  I met a lovely brunette (Doris Russell) while working at Pacific Grape Products.  Doris’ mother also worked at Pacific Grape as a floor lady.  Doris also attended and graduated from Modesto Junior College in June, 1946.

Doris and I were married on September 8, 1946; on September 16, 1946 I was drafted and left for Ft. Lee, Virginia.  I had volunteered for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Air Corps but was rejected each time.  After discharge I took a CPA course on the GI Bill.  I preferred private accounting to public accounting.  My choice was the automobile business.  This took me first to Oakdale for 12 years until the dealership was sold.  Next, I purchased 20 acres of almonds in Oakdale.  Immediately I was offered a position at a dealership in Santa Cruz.  I accepted the position, we sold the ranch and moved to Santa Cruz.  Next I accepted a position at a Los Gatos dealership that had closed due to embezzlement.  Six years later the dealership was healthy and I began my self-employment as an auto dealer financial consultant for ten years until I retired at age 61.  Along the way I obtained two insurance licenses and a real estate license.

Both Doris and I always have enjoyed gardening as a hobby.  In April, 1954, we had a gardening article in Sunset Magazine.  Activity of mind and body has enabled us to celebrate our 70th anniversary at age 90.

- Marvin Krepela, Class of 1946