In Memory

DECEMBER 17, 1947 - NOVEMBER 1, 2000

Gary Van Der Geest

The Van Der Geest Family, Van Der Geest Dairy, and the community lost a “very special” loved one. On November 1, 2000, Gary, age 52, passed away unexpectedly in his office on the Dairy. Today – and for the rest of our lives, we are changed.

Gary truly loved our farm, building it from 17 cows in 1969 to what it is today.

He was also actively involved in the community serving as President of the Lincoln County Rodeo Days, Officer for the WI Independent Livestock Dealers Association, past President of the Merrill Riders Club and a member of the Planning Commission for the Town of Maine. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Gary always seemed to be able to make time and to take time for people.

Giving advice to someone who asked or just taking a minute to talk, he had that “special way” with people. Many people have relayed to our family just what an impact Gary had on their lives. It only gives us another reason to be proud to be “his family”.

Gary’s dreams were many, he loved spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly. Working with his horses was also high on his list for what he called relaxation. However, Gary had a great passion for dairy cattle and seeking to pursue the success of the dairy industry. He worked extremely hard to succeed at whatever he set out to do. When he faced difficult challenges he would often say “just makes you a stronger person”. The latest addition of the 3,000 cow dairy facility is a true symbol of his efforts. When he was asked why he wanted to do this, his reply often was, “I want a dairy facility that is an educational experience for everyone. People need to know where milk comes from.” That is exactly what the facility is, an “educational experience” for young and old, farmers and city folks.

We hope as you view this web-site and/or tour the facility that you are able to enjoy it, learn from it and take your own special memory from our Dairy, a part of Gary’s dream.

Amy & Jeff, Katie & Lee, and Beth & Gabe

March 14, 1948 - January 1, 2025

Mary Kay Van Der Geest

Mary Kay Jacobson was born on March 14, 1948, in Merrill, WI to the late Norman (Jake) and Phyllis Jacobson of Irma. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1966, attended UW-Stevens Point and married the late Gary Van Der Geest on October 18, 1969. Gary was her true soulmate, and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage until his death on November 1, 2000.

Mary Kay’s first job was a paper route in Irma, followed by the Dairy Queen in Merrill, where Gary used to frequent for ice cream.

After attending UW-Stevens Point, she worked at Wausau Insurance and held her WI Real Estate Brokers license for several years.

However, her true passion was working in the dairy business alongside Gary.

In 1969, Gary and Mary Kay, along with Gary’s parents, Gerrit “Chub” and Eleanor Van Der Geest, purchased their first farm consisting of 120 acres and 17 cows, which was the start of Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle and today, 55 years and four generations later, it is has grown to over 3000 cows and 6000 acres.

After Gary’s passing, Mary Kay was the sole owner and president of Van Der Geest Dairy Cattle Inc. until she sold it to her son, Lee Van Der Geest, and business partner Jason Mell in 2017.

Mary Kay was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma/nana first, but like her husband, Gary was very enthusiastic about agriculture and promoting the importance of our agricultural industry.

Aside from the Dairy, she served as a director on the board of United FCS and later Ag Country Farm Credit Services for over 14 years, was a founding member of the WI River Pro Rodeo for over 35 years as a member and secretary, Merrill Rider’s Club secretary for several years, a member of the Northcentral Technical College (NTC) Foundation Board.

She also served as a board member of the Dairyland State Academy which fundraised and formed what later became known as NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence.

In addition, for 35 years, she served on the board and was a member of the Partnership for Progressive Agriculture (PPA), during which time she participated on subcommittees, including the Education and Promotion Committee, which is instrumental in promoting agriculture.

She was a lifetime member, elder, and Sunday school teacher for First Presbyterian Church of Merrill, and after it disbanded, joined St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wausau.