Posted on August 26, 2016 at 9:19 AM by Emily Saveraid
Roger Ahrenholtz was born and raised in Shelby County. He is the son of Annajean and Harry Ahrenholtz. He comes from a family of nine. Roger grew up on the farm with his brother and sisters where they had many chores and responsibilities.
Roger farms together with his son, Troy and grandson, Justin. They also do custom planting, combining and trucking. They have a cow/calf herd. Roger and his family are active members of the Church of Christ in Irwin, where Roger serves as an elder, Sunday school teacher and serves on the board.
Roger is community minded and is passionate about his family, fair, and agriculture. He was the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculturist of the Year in 2000. He served as president of the Shelby County Extension Council, Shelby County Pork Producers and is a member of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association. He was named Cattleman of the Year in 2013.
Many know him as a member of the Shelby County Fair Board, where he served as president. He became a member in 1986 and not a day of fair goes by without his presence. Many hours have been spent at the fairgrounds over the years. As a boy he was a member of the Douglas Wise-Owls 4-H club showing beef and sheep. He was an active member of Future Farmers of America in high school. He received the Iowa Farmer Award in 1962. While his father served as President of the Shelby County Fair he could be found cleaning the grounds and fixing buildings. Roger supported his children throughout their 4-H years showing cattle. Supporting his grandchildren with their projects and cattle makes him proud. You are sure to find him at the cherry pie auction and the livestock auction supporting the 4-Hers. You can also count on Roger to provide the red Mustang for the Queen to ride in the parade. Roger continues to serve on the fair board and continues the family dedication and pride in 4-H and the fair. He is known to recruit family members to help with maintenance and with making improvements to the fair grounds. Those that know him, know he started bringing his grandson along at the age of 3. This legacy continues today as Roger beams with pride as his grandson, Justin, is the current President of the Shelby County Fair Board.
Roger served as President of the Association of Iowa Fairs in 2001. He was inducted into the Shelby County Hall of Fame in 2001. He was chosen as the Iowa Fairman of the Year in 2007. Roger and his family also received the 4-H Family Award in 2007.
Roger and Peggy are the parents of three children; son, Todd and Angela of Manilla, son, Troy and Lyn of Defiance and daughter, Tracy and Jason of Iowa Falls. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Grandson, Justin and Steph of Irwin, grandsons Ryan and Ryley of Manilla, granddaughters Emma and Anna and grandson Isaiah all of Defiance.
Categories: Shelby
