Norm Loehr of named 2007 Friend of the Fair

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of the  Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society, Norm Loehr of Dotyville was recognized with the 2007 Friend of the Fair Award.  His involvement with the Fair dates back to his youth, when he was a member of the once-organized Empire 4-H Club.

Norm currently serves as the swine superintendent at the Fair.  He serves an active part in the livestock barn at the Fair, helping with the daily Fair activities and the livestock auction.  He also serves as the swine project leader for the Forest Hills 4-H Club, serving in that capacity for 37 years.

Norm was born and raised on the farm where he and his wife, Rosie, currently reside. They are parents of 11 children.  Through the years, Norm assisted his children and other swine project members with swine and dairy project activities. Rosie was recently recognized for her 39 years of 4-H involvement as a general leader, clothing leader, and presently a quilting leader for Forest Hills.

For many years, Norm also coached the Forest Hills 4-H Club baseball and basketball teams.

Today, Norm is thrilled when any of his 18 grandchildren express an interest in showing swine at the Fair.  In the meantime, Norm is kept busy helping his sons on the farm, whether it's field work or feeding calves when needed.  He continues to handle the day-to-day tasks for the Loehr's swine operation.

Off the farm, Norm serves as an usher at Shepherd of the Hills Parish in Eden.  He also serves as chairman for the Town of Forest.  Norm has been a member of the Fond du Lac County Pork Producers for many years, serving several times as the organization's president.

Other business at the Annual Meeting included the election of two directors.  Kelly Rickert of Eldorado and Mark Ryan of Fond du Lac were elected to the Fair Board.  Herb Ottery of St. Cloud and Chris Schwenck of Calumetville chose not to seek additional terms on the Board. 

At the reorganization meeting following the Annual Meeting, George A. Stanchfield, Fond du Lac, was elected president/fair manager and Richard Wetzel, Brandon, was elected vice president.  Rose Boyke will serve as secretary, and Matt Immel will perform the duties of treasurer.  Other board members include Marsha Jurgensmier of Fond du Lac, Kelly Rickert and Mark Ryan.