Farm Family Legacies Honored at Delaware County Fair

Once again this year, the Delaware County Fair took a moment to honor the legacies of several of the county’s farm families. 

The Farm Legacy Ceremony, which debuted last year, recognizes Delaware County families who have had their farm in the family for at least 100 years – or in some cases, 150 years – similar to the Century and Heritage Farm Awards presented at the Iowa State Fair.

Among those honored as a Heritage Farm was the Overmann Family Farm in Bremen Township – currently owned by Anthony and Jessica Overmann and Daniel Overmann – originally purchased by Herman and Mary Kerkhoff in 1874.

Gary Overmann shared his family’s farm history with KMCH:

He says he took over for his dad in 1980.

The Funke Family Farm in Elk Township, originally purchased by Frank and Benjamin Funke in 1920, was honored as a Century Farm. Jay Funke and his brother Mike now own part of their grandfather’s original farm.

He has good memories of growing up on the family farm.

Funke says it means a lot to keep the farm in the family.

The Delwyn and Joyce Curtis farm in Coffins Grove Township, originally purchased by John Evans in 1926, was also honored as a Century Farm. Shirley Curtis talks about the family farm’s history:

Also honored as Century Farms:

The Kehrli Farmstead and EWLK, LLC in Delaware Township – currently owned by Ken, Larry & Chad Kehrli, Deb Schiel-Larson and Marty Schiel – originally purchased by Elsie Kehrli in 1922. 

The Taken Family Farms, both in Honey Creek Township – currently owned by Jennifer Kritz – originally purchased by Sabastian Schirmer in 1907, with the second farm purchased by Bernard and Anna Takin in 1916. 

Honored as both Century and Heritage Farms:

The Robinson Family Farm in Adams Township – currently owned by Jane Robinson Shantz, Sally Robinson Whaley, Amanda Robinson and Matt Robinson – originally purchased by Thomas and Elizabeth Robinson in 1865. 

Also honored as a Heritage Farm:

Deutmeyer Family, Inc. in Colony Township, currently owned by Terry and Janell Deutmeyer – originally purchased by Hienrick Deutmeyer in 1875. 

audio and photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH