Byron man retires after 51 years at grocery stores

By Vinde Wells

vwells@oglecounty

news.com

After more than half a century on the job, a Byron man retired last week with some unexpected, but much deserved, fanfare and accolades.

Tommy Whetsel, 69, a familiar face at Byron grocery stores for 51 years, summed up why he has stayed on the job.

“I like to help people,” he said.

Co-workers and customers alike turned out Dec. 30 to honor Whetsel on his last day on the job at County Market, where he has worked for 33 of those 51 years, bagging and carrying out groceries and stocking shelves.

The day began as usual - almost. A Byron firetruck picked Whetsel up for work at 6:30 a.m. and then returned him home after his shift was over in the afternoon.

Banners inside and outside the store said, “Happy Retirement Tommy!” in giant letters.

Then on his break at 9 a.m., friends, co-workers, customers, and media slipped into the break room in the back of the store to surprise Whetsel with a cake, gifts, and a day proclaimed in his honor.

Ogle County Board Chairman Kim Gouker was on hand to read a resolution proclaiming Dec. 30 as Tommy Whetsel Day in the county.

Gouker, 64, began his remarks by recalling that his friendship with Whetsel started back in the 1970s when, as a Rock Valley College student, he got a job working at Byron Super Valu.

“You’ve been a great friend of mine, and I appreciate it,” he told Whetsel.

A childhood accident left Whetsel developmentally disabled but he’s never allowed that to stand in his way.

“Tommy has been a fixture for this community, and an example of beating adversity, not feeling sorry for himself, working hard and loving his job, and spreading joy while he does it,” Gouker said.

True to his work ethic, Whetsel finished stocking the dairy case before going on his break, and answered questions from the media while he worked.

Long-time friend Tom Johnson, Byron, was one of those who turned out for the retirement reception.

“I’ve known him practically all my life,” Johnson said. “Ever since we were young boys when his dad ran the shoe store downtown.”

He comes to the store nearly every day to visit with Whetsel on his break.

Whetsel started his career when he was 18 years old down the street from County Market at the Super Valu store.

After that closed he went to work for Cacciatore’s Food & Liquor Mart, now County Market.

His supervisors praised his work habits and friendliness.

“He was a good boy - always punctual,” said Dave Johnson, manager of Super Valu when Whetsel worked there. “He’s the most friendly person in the world.”

Don Roe, store director at County Market, agreed.

“The guy is a worker,” he said. “He never misses a day. He’s got a smile on his face every day. Everybody is going to miss him.”

Whetsel said he will miss his co-workers and customers.

His plans for retirement include helping his parents, who are in their 90s, walking more on the high school track, and watching more Cubs baseball games.

“It’s going to be hard to replace you, Thomas,” said Roe.