Bob and Judy’s Farm Market, a business that has been an integral part of Big Lake for more than 20 years, will be closing its doors permanently this weekend. They will continue to operate through the holiday weekend before shutting down.

Reason for Leaving

Bob and Judy Wilts, the owners of the business, stated there are a few reasons for the decision. They have had difficulty for the last few years in finding help on their little farm. They have dealt with this situation by purchasing vegetables from other farmers in the area. They also stated that they wanted to retire due to their age. Both Bob and Judy had recently lost a sibling, and so they wanted to make sure they  took some time to enjoy life in retirement. 

“We want to take a little time to enjoy life before we tip over,” said Bob Wilts.

History of the Shop

Bob Wilts’ grandparents bought the land where the farm store is located back in 1951. His parents cared for the farm after his grandparents, and Bob was raised working on the farm. 

Judy came from Maple Grove.

“That was back when it was still rural,” she said. “People in the cities thought Maple Grove was the end of the world.”

Bob and Judy were married 41 years ago, and they continued to work the Wilts’ family land. Judy had been pursuing a degree in journalism, but decided to stop after her second year of college when the couple got married.

She worked for the West Sherburne Tribune for some time before deciding to be a full-time mom after having her second child. 

For a long time, the two raised and milked cattle on their farm, but got into growing vegetables instead after deciding to move away from raising the animals. They set up the farm store to sell their vegetables, and later added a greenhouse and started a nursery. 

Retirement

The couple is looking forward to retirement and being able to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota summers without worrying about work. Judy mentioned a couple of events that she was excited to attend this summer, having been unable to do so before. The couple also plans to travel, see their kids who live in different states now, and enjoy themselves.

Currently, their shop and their house are up for sale. Judy said they aren’t selling the family farm yet, but they may do so in the near future. 

“We’re hoping to move, but we’re not yet sure where,” said Judy.

Bob agreed, saying that, when he grew up, the city of Big Lake had only around 600 residents.

“It’s not the same rural community anymore,” he said.

The two are considering moving to a community that is still rural. None of their family still lives in Big Lake, so the two are ready to make a change. Judy said it will be hard for the pair to leave the friends that have become like family to them.