(Atlantic) Dr. Gerald Wessels of Anita says coming to Cass County was the best move he ever made. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine made the comment during his acceptance speech after receiving the Hall of Fame Award at the Cass County Cattlemen and Cass County Corn and Soybean Growers banquet on Saturday night.
Dr. Wessels graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. He and his wife Cheryl came to Anita that same year and purchased what is now the Anita Veterinary Clinic one year later. Dr. Wessels practiced Veterinary Medicine from 1967-2009. He continues to work for the Anita Vet. Clinic and runs the Massena Vet Supply store in Massena.
“When you’re honored by your neighbors and friends, it’s the best honor in the world,” said Dr. Wessels when asked about receiving the award. “Moving to Cass County was the best move I ever made. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m pleased to receive the Hall of Fame Award.
Ross Havens of Nichols Farms presented Dr. Wessels with the award. Havens said Dr. Wessels has dedicated his adult life to the service of the area’s cattle industry, from on the farm calls to vaccinating and treating cattle and many late nights. Havens said Dr. Wessels will tell you his greatest accomplishments are his three daughters, Kelly, Jennifer, and Stephanie.
In addition to Dr. Wessels’s long-standing Veterinary Practice, he served on the Anita Community School Board for 14 years, Cass County Board of Health for 29 years, and Rolling Hills Bank for 7 years.
The other awards presented at the annual banquet were the “Young Gun Award”, “Riding the Brand,” “Business of the Year,” “Beef Promoter of the Year”, and “Producer of the Year.” The recipients are listed below.
Young Gun: Kevin Freund
Riding the Brand: Jesse Robinson
The Business of the Year: Redwood Steakhouse
Beef Promoter of the Year: Kim Tibken, LaNette Freund and Dawn Freund
Producer of the Year: Dean Hansen
Hall of Fame: Dr. Gerald Wessels
Scholarship winners: Conner Pellett, Tyler Comes, Eric Plagman, Carter Griffin, Nicholas Freund, Nathan Behrends, Walker McDermott, and McKenna Potter.
