Time to turnip the rest

FREMONT – When local specialty grocer Let’s Meat reopened this week, one familiar favorite was missing: Rose’s Fresh Veggies, the longtime produce stand that has been a seasonal staple for Fremont residents and visiting campers alike.

Owner Rose Hilpipre said health concerns have forced her to step back after decades of hauling produce between her farm in Pine River and Fremont.

“We are retiring from day-to-day produce,” Hilpipre said.
Hilpipre underwent her third back surgery in 2023 and immediately returned to running the produce stand in Fremont. She is now likely facing a fourth spinal fusion surgery and she said she can’t handle the heavy lifting that the stand requires anymore.

Rose’s Fresh Veggies has roots going back more than a quarter century. Hilpipre and husband Donald started selling produce at the end of their driveway on Wolf River Drive in 1994. In 2000, the couple moved to a 40-acre property in Pine River, where they grow produce in a 100-by-32-foot greenhouse. For years, the couple commuted from Pine River to Fremont to keep the stand running.

The produce stand has moved to various locations in Fremont. It has popped up at Jellystone Park, the Mobile station, Wolf River Diner, and later in a parking lot at the corner of highways 110 and 96.

When Let’s Meat opened in May 2023 at E6659 Wolf River Dr., Hilpipre moved her produce stand to the screened in front porch of the business.

The stand was known around the area for the wide selection of tomatoes, onions, peppers and other ingredients commonly used for sauces and homemade salsa, along with sweet yellow watermelons that became a customer favorite. Flowers, pumpkins, apples, squash, beets, sweet corn, potatoes, beans and other produce packed both the outside and inside of the stand. Hilpipre also sold a variety of homemade jams, jellies, sauces and other canned goods.

Rose’s reputation stretched well beyond Fremont. Regulars included local families, seasonal campers, Fox Valley commuters and out-of-state visitors who made a point to stop by her stand.

Beyond the produce itself, Hilpipre was known for her friendly bargaining and for offering large mixed boxes packed with produce. Customers could often purchase boxes filled with tomatoes, peppers, onions and other vegetables for around $10.

Over the years, Rose’s Fresh Veggies also gave back to the community, donating special produce boxes for community organizations, clubs and events. In the past, the stand has appeared at places such as Sawdust City Bar in Weyauwega, where she has sold produce, canned and baked goods, and even set up bushels of free produce last November.

Even though the produce stand shares Hilpipre’s first name, she said her husband has been a key part of the operation.

“Just so that they all know it wasn’t just me – my husband was a big factor on it all,” she said. “Everybody in Fremont has been, they really have.”

Hilpipre said stepping away from Let’s Meat this season will give her time not only to heal from surgery, but also to focus on long-postponed work at home, and a new grandchild expected in October.

Let’s Meat closed in late January and reopened Wednesday. The business sells meats, cheeses, and specialty items. Market-goers can still expect the shop’s signature offerings, just without the weekly produce from Rose’s.

Hilpipre said she hopes someone else in the community may eventually step in to offer produce there.

“Fremont has been the most great community throughout all the years I’ve been there,” she said

For now, Rose’s Fresh Veggies won’t be returning to Let’s Meat, but Hilpipre said she still has some canned goods available at her Pine River home base and is leaving the door open for the future.