For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – A Tomahawk-area native was recently honored for his dedication to the development of Wisconsin’s potato industry.
Ron Krueger was inducted into the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame earlier this month.
In a release, WPVGA said is its intention to “continue to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the potato industry in Wisconsin by making annual Hall of Fame inductions.”
Krueger was born in Tomahawk to Clarence and Joy Krueger. His family, including two brothers and one sister, lived on a dairy farm in Irma that had been in their family since the early 1900s.
After graduating from Tomahawk High School and attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Krueger began his career in 1977 as the farm supervisor for the Frito-Lay Genetics research farm in Starks, Wis.
After 15 years with Frito-Lay, Ron moved on to become the general manager for Felix Zeloski Farms in 1992, staying for 30 years before his retirement in 2022. Felix Zeloski Farms became Eagle River Seed Farm LLC in 2014.
“Nestled in the middle of the world’s largest inland chain of lakes, Eagle River Seed Farm supports a tremendous amount of wildlife, as well as natural scenic beauty,” WPVGA stated. “Originally established by Felix M. Zeloski, his son, Dennis, took over in 1973.”
In his career, Krueger oversaw the growing of 1,100 acres of early generation certified seed potatoes, (including numerous varieties), certified seed oats, barley, wheat, soybeans and clover.
Krueger was active in the WPVGA, serving four three-year terms on the Board of Directors, including a term as President in 2005. He was Co-Chair of the WPVGA Research Committee for over 20 years and served on the WPVGA Government Affairs and SpudPro committees, working on the SpudPro Committee from its inception until his retirement.
Krueger also sat on the Board of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association for two separate five-year terms, including four years as President.
Krueger’s awards and honors include the 2006 and 2014 WPVGA Volunteer of the Year Awards, the 2013 Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award, the 2007 Frito-Lay Seed Supplier of the Year honor and National Potato Council Environmental Stewardship Award.
In his free time, Krueger enjoys golf, hunting, boating and woodworking. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Kara and Katee, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ron and Mary will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 21 of this year.