Minnehaha Funeral Home

Drew and Bridget Muntefering with their children, Hayden, Finn and Wren. Larry Fossum

THE LARRY FOSSUM

MUNTEFERING FAMILY Minnehaha County, April 2022 Hutchinson County, April 2022 Larry Fossum leads “The Cowboy Way,” a nontraditional, come-as-you-are church held in a barn on Drew Muntefering is a Dimock native who brought his bride, the Fossum acreage south of Hartford. Larry has been Bridget, to his home stomping grounds to join his parents involved in rodeo for many years, but about 15 years in farming and being a part of Dimock Cheese. Owned and ago wished for a rodeo event with a greater family operated by a group of area residents, Dimock Cheese is atmosphere. He learned about the concept of a rodeo known for its distinctive cheese products. Drew’s background where riders participate for free because ‘He (God) in construction management helped facilitate the company’s paid your fees.’ The only requirement to take part was buildout of a world-class retail location on Highway 37. attending a church service. The newest enterprise Drew and his father, Mike, are developing is a line of homegrown Wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is distinctive because it is highly marbled, contributing to meat that is flavorsome, tender and juicy. The meat is sold at Dimock Cheese and can also be found at area restaurants including The Depot Pub & Grill in Mitchell, Mad Mary’s Steakhouse in Flandreau, and Murph’s Butterguts in Sioux Falls. The long-term strategy includes selling products online and shipping the beef in sizes ranging from small packages to full quarters of beef and more. To learn more, search “Monument Meat” on Facebook. That experience led to a ministry called The Cowboy Way. After a few years as a traveling rodeo ministry, “Preacher Larry” decided it was time to conduct services at home. The story-telling country gospel music used at the church reflects Larry’s approach during services which are informal and conversational. “When I pray, I’m just talking to God when I start off ‘Lord, we’ve got a few things on our heart.’ Even if I mess it up, the Lord knows what I mean.”

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John and Lorna Haverhals.

JOHN AND LORNA HAVERHALS

Lincoln County, April 2022

John is a past president of the SD Cattlemen’s Association and served on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “I’m passionate about the beef industry and the product we present to our consumers. Whether it’s Shanghai or Sunshine in Sioux Falls, it’s important to have the demand for your products to get a good price.”

John gave credit to his wife, Lorna, and his 50-year operations manager, Chuck Boyer, for ensuring he never had to worry about things on the home front. “I considered it a privilege that I didn’t have to worry about what was happening at home. Lorna’s always been supportive of the craziness I get myself into, too,” he said.

Cattle are still in the midst of the elements, fighting heat and dust and bitter cold, even though equipment advances, mechanization and other technologies have made feeding cattle more comfortable for farmers. “But the part that’s still the same is it’s about the care of the animals, to keep them comfortable and well taken care of so they grow,” John said.

THE PATZER FAMILY

Minnehaha County, May 2022

Marco and Laura Patzer gave up successful careers in Ohio to move to South Dakota to own and operate Cherry Rock Farms near Brandon. The seasonal vegetable market was started In 1925 in Sioux Falls as Cherry Rock Gardens by Marco’s great grandfather, John Picasso, an Italian immigrant. Second generation Robert and ‘Toots’ Picasso were the drivers of the growth of the old Cherry Rock Gardens.

Marco and Laura’s highest priority is to provide the best life possible for their 3 children. “In the summer time, our kids help with picking vegetables every day. They love working in the market. It’s been exciting to watch them grow,” Laura said. Marco said the farm and entrepreneurial environment shows their children how just about anything is possible with a combination of opportunity and hard work

Marco’s semi-retired father, David Picasso, has embraced changes in production practices. Marco said, “He’s the kind of guy who’s always interested in a new and better way. He always willing to try new things.”