91-year-old chiropractor has been making adjustments for 70 years

"First come, first serve, that's how we work here," said Jean Koffel as people began walking in her door at Jean F. Koffel Chiropractic Clinic on North Avenue.

She recently celebrated her 70th year of business and her 91st birthday.

"I like my work, I like helping people, that is the key," Koffel said, adding that it takes more mental stress than physical stress to continue her practice.

"She's a very gifted lady. It isn't a hobby, it's still very much a career choice," said Lori, a client who asked that her last name not be used.

Lori has been seeing Koffel for 10 years.

"Very wise people knew I was hurting and said that she would give me some relief. I had another chiropractor and wore her out. I've worn out 50-year-old chiropractors and she is 91," the 69-year-old Town of Sheboygan resident said.

Chiropractic care has been Koffel's vocation since relocating to Sheboygan in 1945 with a chiropractic degree from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, the first school of its kind. She became first female chiropractor in the county.

Born in Racine, Koffel was raised in West Bend among relatives dedicated to chiropractic philosophy, including her late father, Alfred E Koffel, who was active in the profession for more than 60 years.

Her first office was located above the Kresge store on Eighth Street during a time when Prange's sold eggs and businesses such as The Bismarck, Keitel's Candy Store and Ford Hopkins Drug Store were the happening spots.

Koffel has witnessed many changes and transformations and through it all held true to a lifestyle of balance including good nutrition, moderate exercise (she walks regularly), restful sleep and routine hands-on chiropractic care.

She's been practicing out of the business end of her home since 1967, after her marriage to Mike Brendzej, who passed away in 1990.

Koffel doesn't operate on scheduled appointments, but instead offers hands-on manual adjustments during her select business hours. She sticks to hands-on manipulation without using any gadgets or heat and light modalities.

Over the years Koffel has kept busy with activities such as golf and bowling, but today, relies on her regularly scheduled walks.

Even getting hit by a car last November, while walking with her friend, didn't stop Koffel, who was back practicing the next business day. Her friend just recently completed healing from two broken wrists.

"If it were me, I would be out of business," she said, feeling thankful.

Koffel has patients who have grown up with her and now treats their children and their children's children, down to the fourth generation. Her oldest patient was 100.

"She's a very, very wise lady. What she lacks in size, she has in strength and common sense," said Lori. "She provides mental and physical relief."

Allison Thompson can be reached at allithompson@sbcglobal.net.