In Memoriam | 婷婷激情五月天 Our Members Bring Choice, Value & Innovation to Agriculture Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:26:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.4 /wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fema-favicon-75x75.png In Memoriam | 婷婷激情五月天 32 32 In Memoriam: Mike Irish, Former FEMA Board Member /news/member/in-memoriam-mike-irish-former-fema-board-member/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:38:26 +0000 /?p=36027 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Michael 鈥淢ike鈥 L. Irish, 77, of De Pere, WI, who passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at his home.

Mike was born on August 24, 1948, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Donald and Deloris (Kasten) Irish. A 1966 graduate of West De Pere High School, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Soil Science with a minor in Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin鈥揗adison. A lifelong learner, Mike often said, 鈥淚 have never learned enough. I am always being educated.鈥

Mike proudly served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1977. In June 1976, he married Dana Haney at St. John鈥檚 Lutheran Church in Ashwaubenon. Together they built a family and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Throughout his career, Mike held leadership positions across the agricultural equipment industry, most notably at Landoll, where he retired as Senior Vice President of the Farm 婷婷激情五月天 Division. He also served in key roles with Brillion Iron Works Farm 婷婷激情五月天, Lindsay Brothers Farm 婷婷激情五月天, and Power Lawn 婷婷激情五月天.

Mike was a dedicated member of the 婷婷激情五月天, serving on the FEMA Board of Directors and contributing his expertise and leadership to the industry he loved.

Outside of his professional life, Mike was active in his community through the Brillion Lions Club and American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, golfing, and fishing, creating countless memories with family and friends. Above all, Mike treasured time spent with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dana; sons Jeffrey (Julie), Sean (Becky), Nathan (Barbara), Matthew (Leah), and Thomas (Sarah); 12 grandchildren; and brothers David (Mary) and Mark (Joanne).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna VanRossum.

Please join the 婷婷激情五月天 in offering condolences to the Irish family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brillion Lions Club, Green Gives Back, the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin (Helping Out Our American Heroes).

Read the complete obituary

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In Memoriam: William W. Kidd /news/member/in-memoriam-william-w-kidd/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:13:34 +0000 /?p=34799 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of William W. Kidd, father of FEMA鈥檚 Finance Director, Tricia Kidd. He passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.

William was a devoted husband and father, and his grandchildren were his world. He was active in his church and successfully ran a prayer website that reached countless people throughout the world. William loved bowling and eventually reached his goal of bowling a perfect game.  

Please join the Association  in offering condolences to Tricia and the Kidd family.  

Services: The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at the Family Center at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway,  Ballwin, MO 63011, on Monday, March 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 p.m. The inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to  in memory of William. Please share memories of William and condolences with the family in the online guestbook at .

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In Memoriam: Martin Ford /news/member/in-memoriam-martin-ford/ Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:55:09 +0000 /?p=34035 It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Martin Winter Ford, who died peacefully on November 15, 2025, at the age of 94.

Martin was a respected industry leader who proudly served as President of the 婷婷激情五月天 (FEMA) from 1983-1984. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to the agricultural equipment industry helped shape the strong foundation upon which our association stands today.

Martin鈥檚 legacy within the association is further reflected through his son, Christopher Ford, who later served as President of FEWA, creating a rare and meaningful father-son leadership legacy within our industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin was deeply devoted to his family, an avid sailor, a steward of the land, and a valued member of his communities in Wisconsin and Michigan. He was known for his warmth, curiosity, and unmistakable voice鈥攐ften declaring that he had 鈥渁 wonderful life.鈥

Please join FEMA is extending our heartfelt condolences to Chris Ford and the entire Ford family. Our thoughts are with them as they remember and celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will long be remembered within our industry.

Those wishing to learn more about Martin鈥檚 life or to share condolences may view his obituary here:

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In Memoriam: Bill Hurt, Jr. /news/member/in-memoriam-bill-hurt-jr/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:49:29 +0000 /?p=33269 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bill Hurt, Jr. who passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.

Throughout the course of his life, Bill founded numerous business ventures that would shape the economic landscape of northeast Arkansas.

In 1964, Bill, along with his father Bill Hurt Sr., started Southern Marketing Affiliates, today known as SMA. Over the intervening 66 years, SMA. has grown to be one of North America鈥檚 largest distributors of after-market parts used in agriculture. Bill served as chairman of the board of SMA from 1997.

In 1966, he launched Stor-All Tool Box, which manufactured tool boxes of the type that fit on the back of pick-up trucks. His success with Stor-All spawned another area-based tool-box manufacturing company, Delta, which he eventually owned via a merger of the two companies. Bill sold Delta in 1987, yet the company still carries on today as Delta/Apex Tool Group.

In 1979, Bill and his brother Porter Hurt co-founded Sun Industries, which grew to become a leading manufacturer of tanning beds in North America. Despite initial skepticism from his peers as to the viability of such a venture, Bill saw potential in the tanning industry and, over two decades, nurtured Sun Industries into a thriving business.

Bill Hurt, Jr. had a gift for putting things in motion and then enlisting others to join him in taking those things to unforeseen heights. His restless personality and boundary-pushing nature made him a formidable presence in any situation, but he also knew when to step back and let others shine.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be observed prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. Following the service, a buffet luncheon will be provided at 501 Steakhouse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, reflecting Bill’s love of duck hunting and respect for nature: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205

To read the full obituary click .

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In Memoriam: James Baird /news/in-memoriam-james-baird/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:29:00 +0000 /?p=33265 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of James Wallace Baird who passed away suddenly on September 26, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in DeSoto County, MS, surrounded by the love of his family.

Over the years, Jim built a long and dedicated career, working with IBM (Lexington, KY), Piper Industries (Collierville, TN), Empire Plow (Cleveland, OH), and Baird Manufacturing (Clarendon, AR), before finishing his professional journey at Lund Manufacturing (Holly Springs, MS), where he retired at the age of 80.

A celebration of Jim鈥檚 life will be held at Collierville Funeral Home, 3863 Bailey Station Rd., Collierville, TN 38017, on Monday, October 6, 2025. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the service to follow.

Because Jim was a passionate sports fan, the family invites friends to honor his memory by dressing in the colors of his beloved University of Tennessee or New York Yankees as we gather to celebrate his life. We take comfort in knowing that Jim is now rejoicing in the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim鈥檚 memory to the building fund of First Methodist Church of Collierville, P.O. Box 875, Collierville, TN 38027.

To read the complete obituary click

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In Memoriam: Leslee Corin Howse /news/member/in-memoriam-leslee-corin-howse/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:37:45 +0000 /?p=31311 Leslee Corin Howse, 37, the beloved daughter of Ben and Laura Howse of Laurel Mississippi, passed away on March 7, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Leslee loved singing, ballroom dancing (especially Tango), and playing the piano. She also enjoyed working with preschoolers at her church and visiting with the elderly.

Leslee received a music scholarship with an emphasis in opera from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She then changed her studies and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

A future memorial service will be held at Highland Church in Laurel, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Highland Church (2513 N, 7th Ave, Laurel MS. 39440) or The Gideons International.

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In Memoriam: Phil Kaster, former Association President /uncategorized/in-memoriam-phil-kaster-former-association-president/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:17:28 +0000 /?p=31252 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former FEMA president, Paul Philip 鈥淧hil鈥 Kaster, 86, of Shelbyville, who passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

He was born December 3, 1938, in Shelby County, the son of Paul Gray and Mary Elizabeth (Epperson) Kaster. On June 27, 1958, he married his wife of 66 years, Freda Fleener, and she survives.

In addition to Freda, Phil is survived by his daughters, Danette Kaster, and Paula Kaster and husband, Mark Polston, of Shelbyville; son, Craig Kaster of Sheridan; sister, Janet Compton of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jonathan Hoop and significant other, Maggie, Jared Hoop and significant other, Danielle, Benjamin Purvis and wife, Tiera, Abraham Purvis and wife, Alison, Caitlyn Sherrill and husband, Brian, Levi Kaster and Luke Kaster; great-grandchildren, Zeno Hoop, Lydia Purvis, Roman Purvis, Cameron Purvis and Parker Sherrill.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Mark Kaster.
In 1956, Phil graduated from Shelbyville High School.

He was a devoted member of Hope鈥檚 Point Church, where he had served as deacon and trustee. Phil was the Chaplain of Gideons International, and was affectionately known as 鈥淭he Bible Man.鈥

Phil served as President of Kasco, a company he and his father, founded and co-owned since July of 1965. He also served his community as a Shelby County Councilman, and a member of the Shelby County Board of Health and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Phil was a proud member of the 婷婷激情五月天 and served as president from 1997-1998.

He enjoyed going to Ferguson Tractor shows. He loved to travel, including spending time at the Outer Banks climbing lighthouses and eating seafood. Phil and Freda enjoyed visiting all 50 states and going to several countries.

One of Phil鈥檚 greatest joys was engaging in conversations with others, whether at a farm equipment trade show, or in everyday life. He always said, 鈥淓veryone has a story.鈥 And he wanted to hear it.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hope鈥檚 Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana, 46176.
Funeral services will begin at 2 pm, Saturday, at the church, with Pastor Greg Albert officiating.

Please join the 婷婷激情五月天 in offering condolences to the Kaster Family. We are exploring meaningful ways to honor Phil’s memory. If you have suggestions, please reach out to Steve at Steve@FarmEquip.org.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Hope鈥檚 Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Gideon International Shelbyville Camp, Box 452, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176

Online condolences may be shared with Phil鈥檚 family at

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In Memoriam: Former Association President David Herd /news/member/in-memoriam-former-association-president-david-herd/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:29:26 +0000 /?p=31118 David Herd, 79. of Royal Center, IN, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in his home with his wife by his side.

Born July 19, 1945, in Logansport, Indiana, he was the son of the late Elmer R. and Monta Bernice (Underwood) Herd.

Following his graduation from Lucerne High School in 1963, David attended Commercial College in Fort Wayne where he graduated with a degree in Business.

On March 28, 1965, in the Spring Creek Christian Church, he married the love of his life, Pamela (Moore) Herd. Not long after they were married, David entered United States Army. The couple moved to Fort Lewis, Washington where he was stationed during the Vietnam-era. Following his father’s death, they returned to Cass County to help his mother run the family business.

David was the president of Herd Seeder Co. Inc manufacturing Broadcast Seeders. He enjoyed traveling, calling on farm equipment distributors throughout the country. In 1992, David served as the president of the 婷婷激情五月天. A strong supporter of education, David was nominated to receive the Indiana Vocational Partnership Award for his work with El-Tip-Wa students.

During Gene Powlen’s tenure as sheriff, David became one of the first Reserve Deputies on the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. He loved serving his community in that capacity and continued serving for many years.

Growing up, David and his family were members of the Indian Creek Christian Church. He and his wife attended the Spring Creek Christian Church. David was a people person who enjoyed lively conversation with his friends at Bullshipper’s.

Surviving with his wife of nearly 60 years, Pamela Herd, is his brother Darrell G. Herd, Potomac Falls, Virginia; several special cousins, and many dear friends.

Please join the 婷婷激情五月天 in offering condolences to the Herd Family.

A funeral service celebrating David’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 22 in Fisher Funeral Chapel, Logansport. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. -3 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday..

Private burial will be in the Indian Creek Christian Cemetery, Lucerne.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation or the Cass County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.

You may share memories and offer condolences on David’s Tribute Wall at

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William Jerry Danuser, Former FEMA President (2002-2003), Has Passed Away /news/member/william-jerry-danuser-former-fema-president-2002-2003-has-passed-away/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:15:29 +0000 /?p=30359 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Danuser.

William Jerry Danuser, 80, of Fulton, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at his home.

Jerry was born in Fulton on December 7, 1943, the son of the late John Henry Danuser and the late Lillian Hill (Hamilton) Danuser.

He was united in marriage to Janet (Burnett) Danuser on August 15, 1970. She survives his passing.

A 1961 graduate of Fulton High School, Jerry left college and joined the United States Air Force. He returned to Fulton in 1968 and, following the death of his father, became the third-generation family owner of Danuser Machine Company. He was a past president of the 婷婷激情五月天 and belonged to several industry and philanthropic organizations. Jerry鈥檚 lifelong passion was shooting. He traveled the globe for hunting and shooting competitions and enjoyed many of his best friendships with people in those industries.

In addition to his wife, Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his son, Glenn Danuser (Dawn); daughter, Janea Danuser; and grandchildren, Corbin Danuser and Raelynn Danuser, all of Fulton.

Family friend, David Shene, and hospice nurse, Jennifer Vandeloecht, helped to bring him joy and entertainment this last year.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, John LeCompte Danuser.

Please join the Association in offering condolences to the Danuser family. We are exploring meaningful ways to honor Jerry’s memory. If you have any suggestions, please reach out to Steve at Steve@FarmEquip.org.

A celebration of Jerry鈥檚 life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry picked two organizations he hoped family and friends would support: Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club, 4350 E Academy Rd, Hallsville, MO 65255 and Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, Attn: Hospice, 500 Broadway St Ste A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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In Memoriam: Former Association President Robert “Bob” Kools /news/in-memoriam-robert-bob-kools/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:49:11 +0000 /?p=25386 Robert Michael Kools, age 88, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at CopperStone Assisted Living in Neenah. Bob was born in Appleton on December 29, 1934, to the late Gus and Gertrude (Bellew) Kools. He graduated from Appleton High School and Marquette University.  

In 1958, he was united in marriage to Marlene Hartl.  The couple enjoyed 63 years together until her passing. After graduating from Marquette and marrying Marlene, Bob proudly served his country in the U. S. Army.  

Bob and his brothers took over the family business, Kools Brothers Inc. from his father, uncles, and aunt.  Kools Brothers, Inc. initially fabricated ornamental iron and then transitioned to a farm equipment manufacturer. Later in life, he retired as a sales representative for Darryl Sykes and Associates. 

Bob was active with the Optimist Club as well as the Appleton Elks Lodge where he achieved the rank of Exalted Ruler in 1981-82. He proudly served as president of the 婷婷激情五月天 (FEMA) from 1980-1981.

Bob was a man of sharp wit and a hopeful outlook on life. 聽He was a helpful soul who was quick to volunteer. To hear Bob say 鈥渙ne day at a time鈥 was not uncommon. 聽He used this mantra to help him through forty plus years of sobriety. 聽

Please join the Association in offering condolences to the Kools Family.

Memorial Services: Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton. Friends may visit the church on Friday from 9 a.m. – 10:45 am.  Interment will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Appleton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for St. Bernard Catholic Church, the Genesis Club, and Annabelle鈥檚 Amazing Graces.

Live Stream: Bob’s service will be live streamed andd may be accessed by clicking or entering the following link before the service: 

Click for the complete obituary.

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