G.G. VanderFeltz (1904-1967), Jefferson City, Missouri

G.G. VanderFeltz was a prominent Holstein breeder and dairy leader. He was born July 10, 1904 at Folk, MO. Christened with the given name Gerhardt George he was known all his life a “G.G.”. He carried on the dairy herd founded by his father, John C. VanderFeltz, in 1920 by the purchase of eight registered Holstein cows from John Bluhm, Smithton. At the same time he was active in community and dairy affairs.

He and his wife, the former Cecilia Franken, were active in the St. Peters Catholic church, Jefferson City. He aided in the building of Helias High School and saw to it that his seven children received an education. The VanderFeltz Dairy was a charter member of the Missouri Valley DHIA Association (1924). He was active in the Missouri Holstein Association, the Sanitary Milk Producers (St. Louis) and in later years Mid-America Dairymen. Another activity was raising money for the Sheltered Work Shops in Jefferson City.

G.G. was perhaps best known for the Holstein herd he built. The herd is now carried on by his son Leon and family representing the fourth generation living on the farm. Since founding the herd by purchase of the eight original cows no other females have been purchased. G.G. farmed in partnership with his father and in 1929 took over management of the herd and farm. In 1945 he purchased the farm and the herd of some 25 cows and 25 heifers. The herd entirely home bred was built by the use of good sires, testing for production, disease control and a sound feeding and management program. The herd has been on DHI test since 1924 and the official DHIR test since 1947. In 1983 for 88.2 cow years the herd averaged 18,463 lbs. milk, 606 lbs. fat per cow. The herd has been officially classified regularly since 1947 with several Excellent cows developed. Bulls and breeding stock have been sold throughout the country. Cattle have been shown at many local and state shows winning their share of ribbons. The VanderFeltz’s received the prestigious Holstein Progressive Breeders Award nine times beginning in 1948.

G.G. and Cecilia are the parents of seven children—four sons and three daughters. John the oldest son lives in Odessa, Missouri where he operates a hoof trimming business. He and his wife Becky have five children. A daughter Madeline, Mrs. Ed Sutherlin, Independence, MO is a school teacher and the mother of five children. Leon, the second son, operates the VanderFeltz registered Holstein herd and farm. He currently serves as President of the Missouri Holstein Association. He and his wife Rita Mae have eight children. The second daughter Rita, St. Paul, Minnesota is married to Raymond Puckett. She works for a bank and her husband is Executive Manager for United Telephone Company in St. Paul. They have four children. Geraldine, the youngest daughter lives with her mother in Jefferson City where she is employed by the Sheltered Work Shop. Robert, the third son, worked with his father for years carrying on the herd. He now works for the Department of Corrections in Jefferson City. He and his wife Shirley have five children. David, the youngest son, during his high school days, worked for his father and did most of the showing of the Holsteins. He is a CPA and is employed by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He and his wife Judy live at Westphalia. They have five children.

Throughout the years G.G. was assisted in the dairy operation by his brother Virgil who retired from the U.S. Navy in 1946. He still lives on the farm and assists.

G.G. VanderFeltz died June 22, 1967 ending a busy and hard working life. He was stricken as he worked in the dairy barn with his beloved Holsteins. He is survived by his wife Cecilia, a brother Virgil, seven children and 32 grandchildren who ably carry on the legacy he established.