Dairy Shrine recently received a generous $100,000 contribution from Dr. Robert and Rebecca Ruehlow of Maysville, Missouri, honoring the memory of Robert’s parents, August and Doris Ruehlow. Robert is a former University of Missouri-Extension Dairy Specialist, who went on to a successful career that included research and marketing of high-tech microbial feed additives, both in the U.S. and internationally. Rebecca’s career focused on service to Missouri’s senior citizens, creating training and job development opportunities. We spoke to Robert recently to learn more about his parents’ legacy and what inspired the couple to make this significant donation to Dairy Shrine.

 

What can you tell us about August and Doris?

My dad came from a poor German immigrant family who settled in Green County, Wisconsin, and the need to work to support the family took precedence over education. August earned $45 per month milking cows for other farmers — $15 over the going rate at the time because of his skill and worth ethic.  Although her parents also were dairy farmers in Green County, my mother’s upbringing was distinctly different. Doris was of German descent, graduated from both high school and teacher’s college, and taught at the one-room Blaine Rural School for 12 years. Among her students’ “field trips” involved scouring the countryside for scrap metal during World War II.

 

After my parents married in 1938, they began dairy farming. My dad taught himself to play the drums. After-hours gigs with a local band helped pay for needed farm equipment. Later, August and Doris became active in Rural Telephone Cooperative, Green County Farm Bureau, the Green County Fair, and several cooperative cheese factories. In 1950 they received the county’s top corn production award at 99.9 bushels per acre. August and Doris raised three children, instilling the importance of church, education and hard work.

 

What are some of the lessons that you remember from August and Doris?

My parents provided four important lessons that pushed me to reach my potential: 1) Complete an honest day’s work, whether on the farm or in business, 2) Get a superb education, whether it be trade school or advanced degree, 3) Maintain good health by following a safe work style and surrounding yourself with a healthy environment, and 4) Be humble and have a giving heart.

 

What was behind your decision to make a major donation to Dairy Shrine?

We selected Dairy Shrine because we wanted my parents to be honored for these lessons they taught me and others on how to be successful in life. My parents were first and foremost dairy farmers. It is very fitting to be able to pass along the lessons they taught us by providing scholarships to young dairy people, helping them become successful, too. Dairy Shrine has a wonderful system in place to gather applications and determine the most deserving students to receive scholarships. My parents never sought the limelight, but I think they would be pleased we have decided to honor them in this way.

 

To discuss how you can support Dairy Shrine, contact Mike Opperman at [email protected].