Macy’s worker retires after 50 years on the job
By Morgan Kirsch
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SAGINAW, Michigan (WJRT) — A Saginaw Macy’s employee is retiring after 50 years with the same department store location.
Jeanette Voelker, along with her friends, family and colleagues, gathered at G’s Pizzeria in Saginaw on Sunday to celebrate her five decades at Macy’s. ABC12 was there to capture the celebration.
“When I went through my first Christmas, and I did all those returns at Christmas, I said, ‘Well, I’m never doing that again, and then here I am. 50 years later, I’ve been doing it all this time,” Voelker said.
When Voelker was just 17, her father gave her the application after she got out of high school.
“My dad gave me the application when I got out of high school and said, ‘You’re not going to sit around here all summer. You’re going to have to go to work,'” Voelker said.
She said she was at the same department store location at the Fashion Square Mall through its transitions from Hudson’s to Marshall Field’s and later to Macy’s.
Voelker most recently worked in returns. She said there were many factors that kept her at the store.
“I love the customers. I love the employees and the friends that I’ve made. They’ll be my friends forever. It helped me raise two great kids, bought a house,” Voelker said.
Guests poured their hearts out in thank you cards and hugs. Voelker’s longtime coworker, Michelle Trombly, said she’s irreplaceable.
“She’s definitely part of the reason that work is enjoyable, always looking forward to working with someone that you consider a friend as well as a co-worker, so that’s going to be a big, big empty hole,” Trombly said.
Voelker said the end of her long career also marks a new beginning.
“It’s been a ride, but I’m ready to get off and start spending some time with my family,” Voelker said.
Voelker’s last official day is June 5. She plans on coming back to the store for her 50-year work anniversary on July 15, when she said her sons will visit to do her final ring-ups.
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