Cheers to 40 incredible years

Just about anyone who has visited South Country Co-op's Northlands Food Store since its opening in 2001 has probably interacted with Marlene Rinke, a long-term employee who celebrated an incredible 40-year milestone on the same day she retired--Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Today, we helped Marlene close this chapter with food, friends, and fun during a retirement barbecue attended by her family and fellow Team Members. We shared stories, a lot of laughs, hugs and some tears, too. 

Former Team Member, Elaine Hammel, shared, "Marlene works tremendously hard. Her soul is in this store. She gave everything she had, and then some. I can’t even tell you, it was such an honour and a pleasure to work with her. She made me laugh, she made me cry, and we’re still really, really good friends."

Marlene's last Store Manager, Eric Wittrock, said, "We got to work together almost 24 years. It’s been an honour to have you work for me. You know, Marlene is definitely our work mom. She’s there for us all the time. She’s encouraging and helpful and she’s not scared to boot us in the butt to keep us all in line."

Food Divison manager, Kevin Wagner, told a story about an early interaction in their working relationship. "About 14 years ago now, I was a young grocery manager, just a couple months into the job at this store. I would go get a coffee from the deli every morning but I didn’t want to bug them to leave what they were doing to go to their tills so I would go over to her till at express to pay for my coffee. One morning, she wasn’t there, she was busy and so when I finally got her attention and she came over, I said, 'I should get you a bell so I can ding ding you when I need you.' She said, 'You put a bell there, I’ll ding ding you with it.' It’s one of my favourite stories about Marlene, it’s just so Mar.

"When I went to 13th Avenue, I joked with her that I was going to miss her baking. So, for several months after, every Friday in the mailbag, she would send me baking."

Marlene's son, Jason Rinke, attended and shared about his mom: "I think it will definitely be hard for Mom not seeing all the great staff and customers and friends that she has made over the years. I’ve seen customers go out of their way to go through her till just for a quick chat or to share a laugh or two knowing that she’s sure to brighten their day. I think that’s the one thing she’s going to miss the most is seeing all the customers that she has had the pleasure of building close friendships with over the years. Mom always greeted customers with a friendly smile or was quick to offer her knowledgeable and courteous customer service when they needed assistance.

She took great pride in that each & every shift and she really enjoyed helping and watching her customers, friends and co-workers and their families grow over the years. I’m pretty damn proud to call her my Mom!"

Marlene took time to comment on the occasion, with the help of friends, and left us with a beautiful message:

"Good day everyone,

I just want to take a few minutes to say thank you as I wrap up my time here after 40 wonderful years.

First, to South Country Co-op: thank you for the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. This place has been more than just a job to me; it’s been a second home and I’ve always been proud to wear the Co-op name.

To my amazing co-workers: I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. You’ve made the good days great and the tough days much easier. We’ve shared laughs, long days, and a lot of great memories. Thank you for the support, the friendship, and just for being the kind of people who make showing up every day worthwhile.

And to our wonderful customers: you’ve been the best part of this journey. It’s been a true joy to serve and get to know so many of you over the years. Your kindness, your loyalty and even just your day-to-day conversations have meant more to me than you probably realize.

As I head into retirement, thank you all for being part of this chapter in my life, as I’m leaving with a full heart and a lot of great memories. I wish you all continued success and happiness and from the bottom of my heart: a big THANK YOU."

We wish you all the best in your retirement, Marlene!