By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – A longtime Humboldt Hy-Vee employee has earned one of the company’s highest honors.
Marva Anderson has been named a recipient of the 2026 Richard N. Jurgens Legendary Customer Service Award, Hy-Vee’s highest recognition for customer service excellence.
The award recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond in serving customers while helping create a positive culture within their stores.
Anderson said she was completely surprised when family members and coworkers gathered to celebrate the announcement.
“I was shocked. When I saw people lining the aisle, I looked up and saw my grandson and thought, ‘What’s he doing here?’ Then it dawned on me when I saw everything hanging up here.”
Anderson has worked at the Humboldt Hy-Vee for 28 years, serving in multiple roles including accounting and human resources. She said the relationships she’s built with customers and young employees have been the most rewarding part of her career.
“I love to see the customers. I love the connection I make with the young people. Hiring the young folks is kind of fun. To go watch them play their ball games, see them in church, things like that. It’s a real joy to be connected with the young people as well.”
Store Manager Tim Schipull said Anderson plays a vital role in developing new employees and shaping the store’s customer service culture.
“Marva means the world. She sets the tone, touches all new employees and teaches them the culture and the importance of customer service and taking care of them. She’s the behind-the-scenes work for the many great employees we have.”
Regional Store Director Roger Townsend said Humboldt’s recognition reflects the culture created by its employees.
“There’s only 12 chosen each year, and two years apart Humboldt gets recognized out of more than 80,000 employees across Hy-Vee. I think the culture is here, customer service, friendliness and helpful smiles in every aisle.”
The recognition is especially historic because Anderson and her husband, Jim Anderson, who received the award in 2024, are the first husband-and-wife pair and the first family members to both receive the Richard N. Jurgens Legendary Customer Service Award.