MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI) recently announced that the Jerry and Diane Meissner family will be honored as the 2026 Dairyfest parade marshals.
“We just thought they are so engaged in the community, always giving. They're at every event, you know, not just ours but throughout the community. They’re always giving, always volunteering, willing to help; and, Josh is very involved with the chamber,” explained MACCI Events & Engagement Director Dawn Krueger.
The family also owns and operates Norm-E-Lane Farms, which is a multi-generational farm.
Jerry’s parents, Norman and Elaine, sold the farm to Jerry, who then passed it down to the next generation.
“Norm-E-Lane Farms is very involved in the schools. They do a field day where, and I don't even know how many schools come out there, but they're always hosting that. They did the ‘movie on the farm’ to help benefit Boys & Girls Club… I mean, it’s just, their family just keeps going. And, they recently expanded their farm. So, it just all made sense to pick them,” Krueger added.
Jerry served on various local boards and committees, including St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, House of the Dove and the Hope Lodge.
Diane was involved with the Auction of Champions for over two decades, and assisted with the “Fore the Kids” golf outing to support pediatric needs at the clinic, among other local charitable contributions.
The parade marshal is a longtime feature of Marshfield’s annual Dairyfest event, which holds a place of honor in the parade for those named each year.
“To me, it, well to us I think it signifies dairy. You know, I always think that the parade marshal should be somebody that's involved in the agricultural field because that is truly what Dairyfest is about — it’s the heritage of the industry. So, to me, it just made sense having it be somebody in that dairy industry. They have such an impact on the community throughout,” Krueger explained.
Jerry Meissner passed away in December 2021, but the family continues to carry on his legacy of philanthropy, including Diane and children Josh, Jennifer, Tiffany, Ashley and their families.
Tiffany and her husband, Dan, are currently serving as co-chairs of the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club capital campaign committee.
“And it's interesting because it's not just one person from the Meissners — not just Diane — it's like their whole family is involved in so much,” Krueger said.
“You look back at Jerry and everything he was involved with, especially with auctioneering.”
“I mean, it's interesting to watch Josh's son, Emmet, everything he's doing on the farm; and now I'm sure when the other kids get through school, it's just a legacy that carries on.”
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