Alyce Kingsley Retires After 47 Years With Zengeler Cleaners

Libertyville, IL, March 3, 2026: When Alyce Kingsley started her first job on June 8, 1978, little did she know she had just begun her journey in a career that would span more than 47 years. Now, Alyce is ready to hang up her last garment as she prepares for retirement later this month after nearly a half century with the same employer. While her position and duties changed from time to time, the one constant was working for Zengeler Cleaners, the Midwest’s oldest and largest family-owned dry cleaner.

For the past 25 years, Alyce has been Store Manager at the Hubbard Woods location, where she’s a friendly, familiar face for the company’s extensive customer base. “Alyce is a perfect example of how personalized service makes a defining difference in the success of a business,” said Tom Zengeler, President of Zenger Cleaners. “She knows nearly every customer by name, including the names of the children and even their pets. Just as importantly, she knows their preferences for how we should handle their garments, making every interaction an experience rather than a transaction. Alyce is beloved by our customers. No doubt, Alyce will truly be missed.”

Alyce started at Zengeler Cleaners while still in high school at the suggestion of her late father, Fred Kingsley, who already worked at the historic cleaning company. The family connection continued for a few years, as Alyce was joined in the business for a time by two of her four sisters. Her lengthy career included a variety of positions, such as working in the home office in Northbrook and a brief period with the company’s uniform rental business, prior to her promotion as Store Manager in 2000. Alyce’s last day is scheduled to be Friday, March 27, 2026.

When asked why she stayed so long with one company, Alyce was quick to acknowledge the positive working environment at Zengeler Cleaners. “I’ve made many friends during my years with the company, especially during my time at Hubbard Woods,” Alyce said. “Those friends include our customers, my coworkers and the community as a whole. People joke that I probably know more about their family than some of their own relatives, but that’s only possible because our customers trust me to take care of them. It’s been a very enjoyable journey. After all, it’s the only job I’ve ever had!”

What’s next for Alyce Kingsley? “I’ll hang out with my friends, and I’ll visit my three sisters who live in Colorado,” Alyce continued. “Other than that, I plan to relax and enjoy retirement.” Well eared, Alyce. Nicely done!

A picture of Alyce Kingsley ready to serve the next customer at the counter of Zengeler Cleaners’ Hubbard Woods is attached. For more information about Alyce and/or Zengeler Cleaners, please contact Tom Zengeler at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit zengelercleaners.com. Zengeler Cleaners’ stores are located in Deerfield, Long Grove, Northbrook, Northfield and Winnetka, along with two stores in Libertyville.