The Third Generation
After the passing of Ed and Francis Noethe, the farm was left to Ed Noethe's children: Mary Ellen, Nancy Lynn, Edward Francis, and Rose Marie.
Francis Noethe was the last brother to live at the farm. When his eyesight was failing and it became too much for him to take care of, he moved to a Senior Housing apartment in Arcadia. After he left, the farm sat empty for (at least) 15 years. With no one living on the property, the condition of the farm house quickly deteriorated. Teenagers, squatters, weather, and rodents took a toll on the 110 year old house.
Rose (Duck) was living in California, and decided to return to Iowa in 1998. Fortunately, she had a very 'handy' partner in Randy Miller. They renovated the farm house in order to make it a home again. This was not a small project. The hard work paid off, and Rose has been living in the farm house ever since.
Century Farm
In 2019, the Noethe Farm was recognized as an Iowa Century Farm... even though we had been one since 2012... we kinda dropped the ball on that one.
The Century Farms Program recognizes and honors those individuals who have owned the farm land for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when nearly 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.
The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, with the endorsement of the Iowa American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
The Family
Because the Noethe children lost their parents at a young age, they have remained very close through the years.
Mary Ellen attended Iowa State University where she met her husband, Jerry Ross. They have one daughter, Katherine Ross. Mary currently lives in Ames, Iowa.
Nancy Lynn attended Iowa State University where she met her husband, Melvin 'Bo' Bobo. They have four children: Jerome Thomas Bobo, Matthew Patrick Bobo, Megan Elizabeth Pope, and Michelle Marie Dickerson. Nancy and Melvin currently live in Des Moines, Iowa. They have nine grandchildren.
Edward 'Ed' Francis attended Iowa State University and Creighton Law School. He married Julie Prellwitz. They have two children: Clare Marie Noethe and Jackson Edward Noethe. Ed and Julie currently live in Council Bluffs, Iowa where Ed is a partner at McGinn, Springer & Noethe PC.
Rose 'Duck' Marie attended Iowa State University. She spent a large amount of time in California before moving back to Westside, Iowa. She currently lives at the farm and teaches Preschool in the area.
