The Dwight C. Vredenburg Memorial is a life-size bronze sculpture located at the Hy-Vee Food Stores Corporate Headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa, unveiled in 2003. This artwork captures Dwight Vredenburg in mid-stride, smiling cheerfully as he walks, embodying the energy and optimism that he brought to his work. In one hand, he holds a book inscribed with the words, "The Family of Hy-Vee," symbolizing his deep connection to the company and its values. Nearby, a bench features a copy of the Wall Street Journal and roll of blueprints stacked together, reinforcing the theme of current events knowledge, and continued Hy-Vee growth.
A plaque accompanying the memorial bears one of Dwight Vredenburg’s most memorable quotes: "Customers go where they are invited and stay where they are well treated." This quote reflects his customer-first philosophy, which became a cornerstone of the Hy-Vee brand and culture. Four more plaques are mounted on the columns behind him. Within sculpture relief collage, they each represent a certain Hy-Vee era.
The memorial honors Dwight Vredenburg (1914-2002), who was a pivotal figure in the history of Hy-Vee. As the 23-year-old son of founder David Vredenburg, Dwight became the company’s first president when it was incorporated in 1938. Under his leadership, Hy-Vee grew into a successful chain of stores committed to providing good merchandise, appreciative service, and low prices, a legacy that continues to this day.
The Dwight C. Vredenburg Memorial serves as a tribute to Dwight’s dedication to both his company and the people it served. It stands as a reminder of the values that helped shape Hy-Vee into the respected grocery store chain it is today, and it celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and community that Dwight Vredenburg championed throughout his life.
