BARABOO, Wisc. (October 18, 2021) – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald C. Storhoff, legendary dairy leader and past president of Wisconsin Dairies and Foremost Farms USA. Don passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Don retired from his role as president of Foremost Farms USA and its predecessor Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative December 31, 2001 after 24 years of service to the cooperative. His leadership and vision were key to the growth of the cooperative and resulted a diversified business that continues to be a major manufacturer and marketer of cheese, whey ingredients, butter and milk.
Don’s career in the dairy industry began in 1953 at Preston Cooperative Creamery Association, Preston, Minn., as a production employee who did everything from washing milk bottles to making cottage cheese. In 1977, he became general manager of Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative and in 1984 was named president. He became president of Foremost Farms USA on Jan. 1, 1995, when Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative and Golden Guernsey Dairy Cooperative consolidated.
“Don was able to identity and respond to changing trends in the dairy industry, and he helped keep a Midwestern dairy cooperative strong and nationally competitive,” said Dave Scheevel, Chairman of the Board – Foremost Farms. “Don and I shared the same hometown; and when he started his career at the Preston creamery, my grandfather was on its board of directors. He would always ask me about my family and how the Preston high school teams were doing. Personally, I will miss him.”
During his career, Don served as chairman of several trade associations including the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Cheese Institute, the American Dairy Products Institute and the Whey Products Institute, and as the assistant secretary/treasurer of the National Milk Producers Federation.
Don’s contributions to the dairy industry before he retired included recognition with the following honors: 1986 Cooperative Builder of the Year (Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives); 1996 Industry Person of the Year (World Dairy Expo); 1997 Award of Merit (American Dairy Products Institute), 1998 Eagle Award (International Dairy Foods Association) and 2001 NCI Laureate Award (National Cheese Institute).
Don’s professional legacy lives on in Foremost Farms, which continues to be a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets; and through members of his family who remain active in the dairy industry. Information about services for Don can be found here.
About Foremost Farms USA
Foremost Farms USA® is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and
international markets. It offers innovative solutions, technical services and customized products, ingredients and packaging for foodservice, food processing, distributor and pharmaceutical customers. As a dairy cooperative, it is owned by approximately 1,000 dairy farmers located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Foremost Farms’ flexible, diverse plant network allows
it to manufacture the products and ingredients that are most in demand and provide a strong, secure market for the member-owners’ milk. For more information call 800-362-9196 or see foremostfarms.com.