Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WAHLERT, Robert Henry
WAHLERT, Robert Henry. (Dubuque, IA- ). President, FDL FOODS INC. Wahlert, the son of Robert C. WAHLERT, worked at the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY as a high school honor student. While attending LORAS ACADEMY, he participated in student government and edited the school newspaper, the Crest.
When Wahlert's employment in the company resumed, he served as a sales trainee, advertising manager, and finally president of sales. He became the executive vice-president in 1973. Upon the retirement of Robert C. WAHLERT, his father in 1977, Wahlert became the chairman of the board. He also served as a director of FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE.
Amid growing labor unrest, it was announced on May 30, 1982, that Wahlert would be in charge of labor relations. In 1982 when efforts to find a buyer for the Dubuque plant were unsuccessful, Wahlert bought the pork operation, Dubuque plant, and the fleur-de-lis trademark of the ailing DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY for $30.5 million and established FDL, Inc.
One of the most notable local philanthropists, Wahlert assumed responsibility for the WAHLERT FOUNDATION when his father, Robert C. WAHLERT stepped down from active management in the early 1980s. (2) ---
Source:
1. Gilligan, Amy. "Rise and Fall of Dubuque Packing Company," Telegraph Herald, November 10, 2008, p. 38
2. Wahlert Foundation. Online: http://wahlertfoundation.org/pages/history.html