SHAFTER, CA - Leroy Melvin Kirschenmann, 89, of Shafter, California, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family who will forever be grateful for the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Leroy was born on September 22, 1936, in Tehachapi, California, to Emil and Sophia Kirschenmann. He graduated from Shafter High School in 1954 and went on to dedicate the next 70 years of his life to the family farm. Farming was far more than an occupation to Leroy – it was a way of life. He loved the land, the work, and the people he met along the way. Some of his greatest friendships were built through the farming community, and he took tremendous pride in the life he and his family built in Shafter.

On November 6, 1955, Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Doris Lee Wilson. Together, Leroy and Doris built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, hard work, and love. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of devotion to one another. Leroy deeply missed Doris after her passing, and his family finds comfort knowing that they are together once again.

Leroy was a devoted father to his two sons, Kenneth (Julie) Kirschenmann and Mark (Lisa) Kirschenmann. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Elliott (Amanda), Derric (Jami), Clint (Stacey), and Brent (Carol) Kirschenmann, and Shelby (Jeff) Parsons. He was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Louise Wilson, Joyce Vontz, Freda Chase, and many nieces and nephews.

To his grandchildren, Grandpa Leroy was much more than the patriarch of the family. He was simply Grandpa – or "Poppie" – a man whose presence made family gatherings, summer vacations, and sporting events more special. Some of their most treasured memories are the many summer vacations spent together and looking into the stands at sporting events and knowing Grandpa was there. He showed his love not only through words, but by showing up, being present, and taking pride in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Leroy lived a long and meaningful life—one built on faith, family, farming, friendship, and hard work. Although saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, his family is thankful for nearly 90 years of his life and for the countless memories he gave them.

And now, after a lifetime of working the land, loving his family, and faithfully serving his Lord, Leroy is home—with his Savior and reunited with his beloved Doris.

The Kirschenmann family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Araceli Gutierrez Ayon for the continuous love, care, and support she gave Leroy. Her kindness and devotion meant more to Leroy and his family than words can adequately express.

A celebration of Leroy's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Shafter, California, where Leroy was a lifelong and faithful member.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15

In liew of flowers please consider a donation to Ebenzer Reformed Church Shafter or Hoffman Hospice House under Leroy Kirschenmann.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

MIAMI, FL - What does it take to bring clean water and sanitation to deserving communities in Latin America? For a growing number of people in the fresh produce industry, it involves a journey to the top of Pico Duarte, the tallest peak in the Caribbean. Continental Fresh is preparing for its annual Water For All Trek, November 20-24. Colleagues, friends, and all who are interested in making a difference are invited to participate.

The trip and fundraiser demonstrate how small steps lead to big change. Since 2020, this idea has defined Continental Fresh. Through its Water For All label, a portion of sales proceeds funds the work of its partner, BLUE Missions. Those funds enable work that leads to new water infrastructure in communities throughout Latin America, where clean water and sanitation serve as catalysts for new opportunity.

“We don’t think of water as a finish line,” said Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, in the recent release. “It’s the start of a new journey for the communities we serve. When families don’t have to carry water, that time can go to school, work, businesses, and health. We love to see the change that clean water brings.”

As they prepare for the annual hike, participants raise thousands of dollars for water projects like gravity-fed aqueducts, ventilated latrines, and other life-enhancing infrastructure built by BLUE Missions. Each hiker commits to raising at least $750 USD in support with the help of a personalized web page and other fundraising tools. Every dollar goes to BLUE Missions, the Continental Fresh partner responsible for building the clean water projects and training communities to maintain them.

The Water For All Trek to Pico Duarte is November 20-24.

The Water For All Trek is an experience that makes the Water For All mission real for trekkers who join the hike. It’s an exhilarating and challenging 27.6 miles, taken step-by-step with a joyful group of purpose-driven people. Camping, fireside chats, breathtaking beauty and laughter lead to an unforgettable experience at Pico Duarte’s peak. The group also visits a completed clean-water project to connect with people from the community and see how they have benefited so far.

Sign up now for the Water For All Trek.

The produce industry is invited to take the next step for communities in need of clean water and join the Water For All Trek, November 20-24. Even if you can’t attend the trek, there are ways to get involved.

• Sponsor Employees: Encourage employees to sign up for the Water For All Trek and sponsor their participation.
• Donate to BLUE Missions: Every donation directly funds BLUE Missions work in communities that need clean water and sanitation. Go to givecleanwater.funraise.org to contribute.

It’s an amazing journey whether taken with colleagues, family members or alone. For details, or to sign up, visit bluemissions.org/adventure-treks. Download the Pico trek guide for itinerary, fundraising information and more on the work of BLUE Missions.

For more information about Continental Fresh produce and its Water For All initiative, visit: continentalfresh.com.

FRESNO, CA - There are two compelling reasons to look forward to October: the annual IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show and a prime selling season for California table grapes. From flavor and eating experience to health benefits and an extension of the summer, table grapes offer much for retailers and foodservice operators to look forward to throughout the autumn and holiday season.

“With the arrival of fall, Grapes from California remain in season, in demand, and available to continue being included in retail promotions as they delight consumers throughout the U.S. and export markets around the world,” Ian LeMay, President, California Table Grape Commission, shares with me. “What sets the California table grape program apart is the breadth and depth of support behind the product. No other grape origin provides this level of retail and consumer marketing support in the U.S. On behalf of California growers, the commission invests in helping retailers sell more grapes through the grape industry’s most comprehensive retail support program.”

Carrying the tools of the trade for retailers, CTGC brings consumer research and actionable insights, promotion funding, marketing materials, an in-depth program for retail dietitians and wellness teams, and a broad library of recipes, photography, video, and other marketing assets.

To round out the robust program, the commission also invests in consumer marketing that drives shoppers to stores and gives them more reasons to purchase California grapes more often, including influencer partnerships that showcase recipes, snack ideas and new ways to enjoy grapes.

“All the work comes together under the newly launched Lunchbox League campaign, reinforcing that California is where tasty fuels healthy, and healthy makes happy. The commission is also finding new ways to put California grapes into the cultural conversation,” Ian reveals. “California grapes are the Official Grape of the Los Angeles Rams, both domestically and in Australia, with Rams wide receiver Davante Adams helping bring California grapes and California origin to consumers in a fresh, highly visible way. It’s a comprehensive approach, from consumer insight to retail execution to demand-building, all focused on helping retailers move more California grapes.’’

Thriving in today’s fresh produce industry requires the strategies, the wisdom, and the tenacity to ride the waves of dynamic change coursing through the marketplace. Changing weather and trade relations are only a few of the challenges the industry works through season after season, so dynamic environments call for dynamic programs that can lean into activities that work to promote Grapes from California and move volume.

“Whether listening to retail partners on what moves volume or working with influencers to reach new audiences, the commission fosters collaboration and relationships to promote Grapes from California in any environment,” Ian continues.

The California Table Grape Commission’s global marketing team will be at the show, along with several of the organization's in-market representatives from key export markets. Besides a great opportunity to discuss holiday selling potential, the commission will be helping the industry get an early start on 2027 planning.

Introducing a completely new booth this year, along with an appearance by Captain Cluster from the Lunchbox League, the team at booth #2473 looks forward to partnering for a more successful table grape category.