Larry Pehle

Long-term service to the dairy industry as a dairy field man and sanitarian has brought respect and appreciation to Larry Pehle of Washington. Larry was raised on a dairy farm near Berger and gained experience from the 60 to 80 cows that he helped milk during high school days at Herman. Later he earned college credit from Washington University and he spent 1957-59 in the U.S. Army.

After being recognized as “Salesman of the Month” during employment with a Kansas City-based firm, Larry was hired in 1962 by Sanitary Milk Producers as territory field man. Eventually mergers led him to work for Mid-America Dairymen, Inc., and Dairy Farmers of America from which he retired in 2000.

Larry spared no efforts to service dairymen in eastern Missouri. A letter from Eugene Sheers noted that Larry was available whenever they needed help and was always courteous, friendly, and encouraged him with a positive attitude. He was known as a real family person and did not treat dairymen as someone on a list that he was obligated to serve.

David and Linda Cochard wrote that Larry assisted them in finding a farm to which they would move their dairy herd from Indiana. During a three-day period Larry drove Linda over his territory showing places that were for sale and introducing her to dairy families.

Larry often accompanied officials of the State Dairy Board in relation to regulatory matters. Terry Long wrote that he “never met anyone who did not know Larry or didn’t thank him for his assistance or presence.”

Many times Larry took samples of producer milk to the dairy microbiology laboratory at the University of Missouri for analyses for bacteria, somatic cell count, mastitis-related bacteria, antibiotic sensitivity tests, and flavor evaluation. He did this as a special service to dairymen who were experiencing certain problems in their herds.

Missouri Senators Danforth and Bond consulted with Larry regarding federal dairy legislation and he helped with legislative issues at the state level. Always with the interests of the milk producer, his employer, and consumers at heart, Larry gave of his best even when it meant sacrificing his time and talents.

The Sheers and Cochards were pleased to provide support for Larry being recognized as an outstanding dairy field man. They said that whatever the need of the dairy producer Larry sacrificed time to assist in every way.

Larry was recognized as Fieldman of the Year in 1990 by the Missouri Dairy Fieldmen and Sanitarians Association and received at least seven Adept awards from the St. Louis division of his cooperative.

Larry married Luella Aicholz in June 1962. Their son, Keith, is a production supervisor for St. Louis Seating Company in Pacific. Keith has worked in both the farm and plant of the Patke Dairy, winner of the 2007 Meritorious Service Award.

Larry had a successful kidney transplant in 2007 at the VA hospital in Columbia.

In his community Larry worked with the Youth Fellowship of his church and with Scouts, FFA, and 4-H organizations.