Julie Confeld Retires
Submitted by labor on November 23, 2011 - 2:54pm.
The "Gang" at Byerly's Edina
Some weeks back we received a telephone call from Julie Confeld informing us that her last day on the job would be Saturday October 7.
The Officers made it a point to stop by for a visit and to take a few photos of Julie and the crew before she left work. Julie is a long time member and an active union steward.
On a recent weekday afternoon she stopped by with a few questions about her retirement. I saw this as an oppurtunity to interview har about her work in the baking industry.
left to right: Julie Cayer, Amy Sorg,
Claire Ostlander, Kurt Huver, Julie Confeld,
and Jamie Vanderwood.
Julie's story: "The father of one of my girl friends back when I was in highscholl was part owner of the Brother's Deli over on Franklin Avenue. This was back in 1969. I was 19 years old then. I had the opportunity to got to work in the bakery. I started out working on the bench and later learned the skills of scaling, mixing, and ovenwork. The work was hard and the environment was always hot in the summer months. After about 4 years I started my apprenticeship for a cake decorators position. Back in those days everything was "scratch" and The Brother’s was a Union Shop. There was a lot of characters I had to work with back then. A lot of what went on would not happen in todays work environment.
Bob Baldinger bought the business in about 1975. I left in about 1978. I went on to work at Robert’s Bakery on Highway101 and Minnetonka Blvd. I worked at another bakery in Minnetonka, one downtown which I can’t remember any more, and then Olson's Bakery out in Wayzata. In 1986 I went to work for Byerly's. I always enjoyed my work I loved my job. It was hard work but it was always fun. I made a lot of friends through the years."
I asked Julie what she planned to do now that she was retired. "Oh I love to be on the go. I can't stand sitting still! I will get involved in volunteer work, spend some time with friends. I love going to the movies! Oh I will continue to cook and bake too!" She gave a glance at her watch, looked up at me and said, "Honey I have to go now, my girlfriend and I are out the door to go and take in a movie."
Bless you Julie!
On behalf of the members we want to wish many healthy years of enjoyable retirement to come.
The Officers of Local 22
