I was elected to the Independence School Board in 2011. My reason for running for school board was to restore the communities’ faith in our school and to improve the community and school relations. We are fortunate to live in a great community and to have their support in maintaining a great school that is a real asset to Independence.
My wife Noel and I along with our four children Rosli, John, Tessa, and Allison live and farm in Traverse Valley about eight miles west of Independence. We operated a 300 cow dairy and raise pullets for GNP along with my mother Hildegard and my brother Dan and his family who also raise broilers. Besides taking care of the pullets Noel also teaches at St. Boniface in Waumandee.
I have lived in Independence my entire life graduating from Independence High School in 1985. Following graduation, I attended WWTC and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics. I currently take every opportunity to further my education by participating in the WTCC, Farm Business, and Management Program. I have also participated in various leadership programs offered through the Farm Bureau Leadership Institute, DuPont Young Leader Program and the Syngenta Leadership Program among many others.
Several of the opportunities that have opened up for me and that have helped me to take a look at the big picture include; Buffalo County Farm Bureau, 1995-present, Wisconsin Soybean Association 2004-2010 including 1 year as treasurer and 2 years President, Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Board of Directors 2010 to present. One of my proudest contributions has been working with the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program. From 2001-2008 our farm served as a pilot Discovery Farm helping to establish the program in Wisconsin. As a result of our involvement, I was also appointed to represent the Wisconsin Soybean Association on the steering committee that helps to direct the program. From its inception to the present, it has become the model for other states from North Dakota to Arkansas to follow when addressing environmental issues affecting and affected by agriculture.
It is my strong desire that we continue to provide a strong educational program in Independence with great teachers that are respected by the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility that is demanded by our supporters.
I truly wish that no matter where our student’s futures take them, that when they get there they will look back with pride on where they came from!!
Home Phone: 715-985-2314
