WALKERTON — The economy and increased competition from larger retailers forced Walkerton's only local grocery store — Kenny and Carl's Super Valu — to close after 65 years in the community.

Owner Carl Vermilyer says customers who shop at the store are more like family.

Customers like Wendy Bocain says this store is known for its customer service. "It's just a friendly place to shop," Bocain said. "When you recognize all that they do for the community, it makes it very worthwhile to shop here."

This week will be the last time customers will see those familiar faces.

"I knew it was coming," said Agnes Gorby. "I heard they might [close]."

After 65 years in Walkerton, the store is shutting its doors for good. It was a decision Vermilyer and his family made over the weekend.

"We've done our best, we put our best foot forward," said Vermilyer. "We turned this store over to God from the day I bought it."

Many customers discovered the store was closing from staff members.

"It was convenient to come here," said Richard Peterson. "The prices were decent."

The closure forces customers to look for other options for their milk, eggs and deli purchases.

"Our options are either to go to South Bend, which is about 15 miles from North Liberty," Peterson said. "LaPorte is 18 miles and Plymouth is 22 miles."

"My options will not be Wal-Mart," Bocian said. "It would have to be another community owned grocery store."

"The Super-centers, the big stores, drawing the business from this town out is what's caused this," Vermilyer said.

Job losses in the area and the state of the nation's economy didn't help matters.

"It's just one thing after another after another," Vermilyer said.

At 9 p.m. Monday, when the doors close, community ties will also leave. From clerks who greet customers by name to the wall of local soldiers serving in Iraq, posted on the store's front window.

"It's horrible," said Vermilyer. "Not only are they my customers, they've become friends and family."

As employees give their customers one last hug, everyone realizes this family owned business will check out, leaving a big void in this community.

"The reason we got into this was for my son, Tyler, " Vermilyer said. He then embraces his son, who has Down Syndrome. "He needed to have a place where he felt that he had worth."

The store will open for a liquidation sale this Friday, October 10 from noon - 6 p.m.

"If we don't concentrate on shopping locally, this store will have more businesses to follow," Vermilyer said.