Karen Martin of Perry marked the end of her 40-year career in the bakery of the Perry Hy-Vee Saturday with a retirement party that brought together many past and current workers and customers.
Among the many Perry Hy-Vee employees celebrating Martin’s achievement was her good friend Marie Pohl, who reached the same Hy-Vee landmark in January. Both Martin and Pohl began about the time the original Perry Hy-Vee opened in January 1977. The store has been at its present location since 1996.
A cake was served that even Martin’s expertise as a baker approved.
She said her retirement plans are still forming.
“My granddaughter’s going to have a baby,” Martin said, so great-grandmotherly duties call. Beynd that, she said she would take some time to enjoy her leisure.
In order to honor its 40-year workers, the Hy-Vee company places their faces on the sides of a semi-tractor trailer. The semi was parked outside the store for Martin’s admirers to see. She also received a gift from the company in the form of a miniature version of the same semi-tractor trailer bearing her likeness.
