Hy-Vee mourns 'produce rock star' Tom Crall
Hy-Vee mourns 'produce rock star' Tom Crall
Tom Crall, category manager of produce at Hy-Vee, died unexpectedly on Sept. 1. Mr. Crall spent the last 34 years with the retailer.
Mr. Crall was a valuable member of Hy-Vee’s produce purchasing team. He began his career with Hy-Vee in 1991 at the Urbandale, IA, store. In 1996, he became a produce clerk for Hy-Vee. In 2000, Mr. Crall was named produce manager at Urbandale, where he served for nine years. He then moved to the West Des Moines office to work in produce procurement in the position of produce sales inventory manager. And in 2011, he was promoted to his most recent position. Mr. Crall helped keep the company's produce inventory current and fresh, and he developed a great rapport working with the stores to help them create their own programs.
"Tom was not only a respected professional in the produce industry, but also a devoted father and an incredible human being," said Joe Stoltz, vice president of produce at Hy-Vee. "Those who had the privilege of working with Tom will remember his integrity, warmth and genuine passion for people. He built lasting relationships across our industry and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership and friendship that will not be forgotten."
Mr. Crall graduated from Dowling High School in Des Moines and earned his degree from Des Moines Area Community College.
"As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the impact Tom had on all of us — as a colleague, a mentor, and most importantly, as a friend. He was truly a produce rock star," said Stoltz. "Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
Mr. Crall is survived by his wife, Kristi, and his three daughters, Taylor, Kaylin and Chloe, well as his sister-in-law, Jenny Hill, who also works in Hy-Vee’s procurement department.
