Jim Hennessy brings 37-year career with CITY Laundering Co. to a close with retirement

After 37 years, Route Service Representative Jim Hennessy of Waukon declared January 14, 2016 as his last day at CITY Laundering Co. based out of Oelwein. Hennessy started with CITY when he was only 24 years old, back in November of 1978.
“I wanted a job so I took the first opportunity that came my way,” Hennessy said. “I heard from a customer of CITY’s that they were looking for a new Route Representative for the area so I contacted CITY and (Past President) Roger B. Wetlaufer had me hired.”
Hennessy took over Route 9, which services areas such as Waukon, Postville and Monona, and over time, Hennessy said CITY has always played a large role throughout his life.
“I know a lot of people who complain about their job and I have nothing bad to say about CITY," he said. "CITY has always treated me very well over all of the years. It will be different for me not having CITY, but all good things have to end sometime.”
Hennessy has worked through three of the four Wetlaufer generations, Roger B., Roger J., and Colin Wetlaufer. “What Jim has done for this company is invaluable,” Colin Wetlaufer said. “Jim has a tremendous relationship with his customers, and that is one of the reasons why CITY continues to excel in northeast Iowa. Jim’s attitude, work and commitment will never be forgotten at CITY.”

One of the things that Hennessy says he will miss the most about CITY is his customers and coworkers. “Thirty-seven years is a long time, and it is always hard saying goodbye to the people who you have worked with for that long, but it was just time for me to take on another adventure," he said.
Hennessy said he is confident that his replacement, Jacob Shinn of Oelwein, will fit right in since he has had a lot of good first impressions from the clientele already.