I was born during World War II. My dad was in the war, and I was raised by my material grandparents for two years. After the war, my parents farmed for ten years. I was 12 years old when they had a sale. It was the saddest day of my life at that time.
After high school, I worked at a mail order business for two years. Then I worked. at a millwork shop for two years. Then, I went in the Navy for two years. I served on the largest war ship in the world at that time in the Vietnam War. While home on leave, I met my future wife, Ruth Borgen. After the Navy, I worked as a Cabinet Maker for six years. During this time, we built a new house. Then, I put the house up for sale with not telling my wife. I then a bought a farm. The windows were broken out of the house and all the building were in poor shape. My wife was very unhappy!
Then, I quit my job, then I become a full-time farmer without and family help. We had three girls and boy. I decided at his birth that, I would bring him up to be a farmer. Over the years we built all new buildings except the house. We built eight additions unto the house and remodeled it three times. Over the years, we built a very successful farming enterprise with my wife and son's help.
I served as President of the Dodge Co. Corn Growers for several years. I served as Treasurer on the Corn Research and Promotion Council for a time. I served as Treasurer for the Lions Club. I was President of the Church Council for two years. I was on the Ashland Township Board for six years. I was on the board of directors of an Insurance Company for 25 years and President for three years.
In 1997 our oldest daughter at 27 years died in a house fire. She had two young daughters. I went on a six-year quest to prove that she was murdered and get custody of her children. It was the saddest part of our lives, by far.
After I had a serious stroke that left my handy capped, I wrote a book, A Fathers Quest
-Wayne McColley