A Good Man Gone

All of Wisconsin agriculture is aware of the drowning death of DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen in Lake Superior on July 21^st.  The waves of shock and sorrow were quickly followed by glowing tributes to his exceptional leadership, vision, ethics and personal warmth and wit.  The appreciations came from every corner of the state and every part of his personal and professional relationships.  It is rare that one person can inspire so much respect and affection in a career of visible positions, difficult decisions and overwhelming responsibilities—without also inspiring a lot of enemies or relegating family to the bottom of his list of priorities.

Neither of these was true for Rod, whose colleagues thought of him as friend, whose opponents found him fair and willing to listen, and whose entire extended family depended on his caring, problem solving, faithful attention and guidance.

His devotion to the land, his dedication to creating a better future for rural Wisconsin and his exemplary service are unquestioned.  His legacy will be large and as he was fond of noting, the land remembers.  Most of all, we will miss the kindness, generosity and compassion that was Rod.