For Mike Welte, being a custodian at the University of Iowa is about more than cleaning.

It’s also about being a friend to the students, staff, and faculty he meets.

“I like to think of myself as more than just a custodian,” the 61-year-old said.

In his 16 years on the job, Welte has gotten to know the staff and students who frequent the IMU during his 4 p.m. to midnight shift.

“What’s really great is walking down the hall and a group of kids all know your name and say hello,” the resident of Kalona said.

UI junior Kelsey Seligmann recalls studying at the IMU with friends during finals week when she met Welte.

“He asked us how our studying was going … The last day of finals, he surprised us and bought us a huge quart of Coldstone ice cream,” she said, and it is clear he loves his job.

Welte is caring and has a wonderful sense of humor and personality, said Corine Welte, his wife of 36 1⁄2 years.

“He likes to do things to help people,” she said, recalling the year he consistently asked her to pray for a certain medical student whenever he had a test.

Mike Welte, who graduated from Iowa State University with an agricultural degree, joined the Army immediately after graduation and served for 21 years.

“I enjoyed it; I had a really good platoon and served with some really great people,” Welte said, removing his tan baseball hat as he spoke.

After returning from the Army, he then worked for Iowa Beef Processors before accepting a job in the IMU as a custodian.

In his 16 years at the IMU, he has seen the facility go through many changes, and he recalls his favorite memory: the day he was allowed back into the building after the flood.

When the flood hit, he was working as the ground-floor custodian, and all of the IMU custodians were relocated to the bookstore in Old Capitol mall, he said.

“Walking back into the building after the flood was a little weird but really exciting,” Welte said, adjusting his brown leather suspenders as he reminisced.

Barb Gartner, the assistant manager of guest and event services — and Welte’s boss — has known him since 1991.

Gartner recalled the Christmas when Welte dressed up as Santa Claus for her children.

“My children really enjoyed it,” she added.

Welte takes an active interest in the staff and students who he meets during his daily duties.

“The kids I get to know, I kind of adopt them,” he said. “I check in and see how they are doing. If I can bring a little happiness into their stress-filled lives, it makes me feel good.”

He not only cares for the students but also for his garden and the 25 dachshunds he and his wife breed.

“Mike loves spending time with the dogs, and he’s really good with them,” she said.

He is keeping one of the puppies for a UI student until she can buy a house after graduation.

“The kids are what keep me young,” he said, smiling. “Not everyone wants a custodial job, but it puts groceries on my table and keeps a roof over my head, and I’ve met some really great people.”

DI reporter Cathryn Sloane contributed to this report.