Employee Name: Jo Anne Wolters
Number of years of service at Pahl’s:
I started working at Pahls as the first greenhouse was being built. We planted flowers that year (just annuals to start with) and my partners were Donna Simon and Dee Englund. We were the original ‘flower girls’. At this stage we are probably referred to as the ‘flower grandmothers’, a title of which we all enjoy from a family and work view.
Briefly describe your job duties at Pahl’s:
In the past I worked in several different areas. With the growth of our perennial plants, I always work in the perennial house, an area that I dearly love.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I am a retired teacher. I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to teach in the area of horticulture. It is so rewarding to help customers find plants for their gardens.
Tell us about your family
I am a widow. My husband and I used to garden together so I have very happy memories of spending that time together. My two children are busy with young families but they each have vegetable gardens and enjoy doing landscape projects with me. My other part-time commitment (which is also a great joy) is taking care of grandchildren several days a week. I planted pumpkin seeds with the two year old last week, the plants are up but he is disappointed that no pumpkins have started to grow.
What is your favorite time of the year? Why?
My favorite seasons are spring and summer. It is so wonderful to see our world turn green and colorful again.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
I really enjoy being active. In addition to gardening, I enjoy biking, walking, and baking. My favorite volunteer activity is being a member of the Master Gardeners of Dakota County. I do a lot of classes for that organization, help with our annual plant sale, and am currently the secretary of our organization.
What is the farthest you have been away from home?
My favorite vacation memory is the last trip I took with my husband. We visited the British Isles for three weeks. We enjoyed historic sites and the remote areas with signs that said “sheep have the right of way”.
What are three things on your “Bucket List”?
I don’t really have a bucket list, I’m not sure what that says about me!!
What do you miss most about being a kid?
I have always loved reading and I can remember some summers with lots of time to do lots of reading. As kids, we were given some chores, but summer days seemed endless.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I am a poor mechanic, I would love to learn how to fix a few things on my own!
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
My first job was as a babysitter. I saved my money from an entire summer and bought a new bike. I still enjoy bike riding.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
I would set up college accounts for all of my grandchildren.
What is your all time favorite movie?
The Sound of Music
What song do you play the most often?
Classical, especially Brahms.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Learning to be on my own after my husband died.
What an honor to work with this fabulous woman!