THERMOPOLIS — When Martin Andreen was born, washing machines sold for $40 and were a coveted luxury for housewives across Wyoming.

If the washer broke, it was common to call a repairman who made house calls even to the most remote ranches. Older machines were designed to be repaired, not replaced in those days.

Today, 87-year-old Andreen continues that tradition as he tinkers in his workroom, a throwback who’s earned the nickname Mr. Fix-It for decades of rebuilding and repairing appliances in and around Thermopolis.

He saves people time and money in an age when it is often more economical to just buy a new appliance rather than fix it.

“I tell folks that they can’t afford to pay me by the hour,” Andreen said. “I charge by the job and don’t charge for service calls.”

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