The Seward Kiwanis will recognize three area families with the Pioneer Farm Family Award during a reception Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harvest Hall on the Seward County Fairgrounds. Masks are recommended but not required.
The Pioneer Farm Family Award honors families who have owned land for 100 years or more. This year’s honorees are the Krasser Family Farm, the Ficke Family Farm and the Jacob Ficken Family Farm.
John Krasser purchased 160 acres at 493 434th Road outside of Beaver Crossing in 1911. The farm raises corn and soybeans and is currently owned by Earl and Elsie Krasser, John Krasser’s son and daughter-in-law.
Herman Ficke bought 80 acres southwest of Pleasant Dale in 1915. His son and daughter-in-law Henry and Laura acquired the land in 1926. Their children Wayne and Lester and brother Wayne acquired the land in 1990. The farm grows corn, milo, wheat and soy beans and is home to cattle. Wayne and JoAnn Ficke are the current owners.
Susan and Terry Gieselman of Lincoln own the Ficken family farm four miles east and four south of Seward. The 80 acres were purchased by Jacob Ficken in 1915 and raise corn and beans. Jacob’s son Walter acquired the land in 1942. Granddaughter Loretta and Lyle Anderson took ownership in 1998 and the Gieselmans, Jacob’s great-granddaughter and husband, in 2015.
The 2020 Kiwanis Farm Family, Bill and Patty Tomes, will be recognized Oct. 20, as well. Brad Wagner will be honored as the 2020 Friend of the Fair.
RSVPs are requested by Friday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. to (402) 641-6404.
