My dad was proud of the new grove he planted on our farm south of Vesta in May 1973.
HE TAUGHT ME to respect and love the land.
He taught me to respect and love God.
He taught me to respect and love family.
He taught me the value of hard work.
He was my father.
And today, March 4, would have been his 81st birthday.
I miss him.
Dad farmed, in the early years with a John Deere, Farmall and IH, and later with a Ford.
My dad takes a break from farm chores to pet Fritz in this June 1980 photo.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Hi Audrey,
I worked at the FSA office in Redwood Falls for several years and I remember your
Dad. He was always so nice and pleasant. I enjoyed seeing the pictures.
DeLores
Thank you, DeLores. I found these images this weekend when I was visiting my mom and looking through her photo albums. I loved these photos of my dad because they tell so much about him and how much he loved the land.
Gone but not forgotten. Always loved. Dad’s gifts will be passed down to our children’s children. That is how it is supposed to be.
Exactly, sister. And that second photo of Dad by the tractor is one you took. I love all of these images, especially that last one of Dad on the straw petting Fritz. It’s such a contemplative, personal moment.
Very cool. I’m certain that he’d have been so proud of you!
Thank you, Gretchen.
I love those pictures- and they remind me of both of my Grandpa’s, one a farmer and one a beekeeper who wished he had farmed. Thanks for sharing your Dad. -kate
Yes, I love these photos, too, and was so pleased when I found them in my Mom’s albums.
As I’m told, my dad wanted to be a state highway patrolman. I’m not sure why he never pursued that. But he had only an eighth grade education and that may have factored into his decision perhaps along with the long-standing family tradition of farming.
What a beautiful tribute to your father, Audrey. In April, it will be 16 years ago that my father died. I miss him so very much.
Thank you, Katie. It will be nine years in April since my dad passed away.
Thanks for sharing the pictures Audrey. It’s nice to look back and reminisce about Grandpa and the farm.
You’re welcome, Adam. I found those photos while looking through Grandma’s albums, pulling images for her upcoming 80th birthday party. It’s hard to believe your grandpa has been gone nine years already.