The U.S. Custom Harvesters Hall of Fame

INDUCTEES OF USCHI HALL OF FAME

George & Mary Stolzenburg, Clyde, KS - (2004)

George’s dad, Mentor and his two brothers, Harry and Ralph started the harvest operation 71 years ago, when they bought the first combine an IH #8. They started going south in 1938 by taking an IH 31T combine pulled by a 2236 tractor.

George started driving the tractor on the pull type combine in the early 50’s, graduating to the self-propelled combine, an IH 127.

Mary has always wanted to be a harvester, growing up on a west central Minnesota farm. Her neighbors took 2 Gleaner combines south, going right past the farm in a convoy, and “I wanted to be a part of that.” Mom was not amused by her daughter’s idea. No self-respecting person would be a part of that; they were “Gypsies.” She was nine or ten at the time.

In 1972 George & Mary were married and Mom had to change her ides of gypsies. They have raised three children on harvest and have been an important part of the family run operation. The Stolzenburgs now run 3 Case combines with trucks and support equipment.

George & Mary have been active in the USCHI organization. Realizing that good qualified help was important to not only their operation but other crews as well, Mary started the employee list in 1995 by writing to 1500 schools across the nation, describing our lifestyle and encouraging young people to apply for jobs with custom crews.

In 1998 Mary was diagnosed with cancer, it slowed her up a little, but not her determination to keep going. She still recruited help, got ready for harvest, climbed in her combine and kept going. The cancer has returned twice since that first time, but not wanting the cancer to change her lifestyle, she still gets ready for harvest and climbs in her combine where she finds peace and keeps on going.

Mary lost her battle with cancer on August 28, 2007. You will forever be remembered for the contributions you made to the organization, Mary, and will be GREATLY missed by all of us!