Posted on August 21, 2023 at 1:20 PM by Emily Saveraid
Joe Vantiger often referred to as "Joey" was born and raised on a farm in Mount Union. Growing up in the 70’s his family raised livestock and row crops. He was a lifelong farmer who never meet a stranger. He could often be found helping his family, friends, and neighbors with whatever problems or projects they had.
Joe was a long-time member of the Henry County Fair Board. He liked to say he was "roped into" volunteering for the Henry County Fair in the 80s but we know he was doing it for his kids and then his grandchildren. Joe’s ornery attitude and infectious smile often came with words of wisdom. Joe had a way of reminding everyone on the Fair Board that the 4-h kids and family values were the reason why we held the fair. While Joe was not a 4-Her in his youth, but he lived the 4-H moto everyday and was an example of the four H’s. Joe often talked about how hard he and Marcy, his wife, worked when he was younger to make a good life for his family. His hard work ethic and positive family values were always an asset to the fair.
Joe was one of a kind that dedicated many hours to the 4-H'ers of Henry County. Joe was the first to say "oh ok, let’s get it done, I'm not spending all day here" when faced with a new task or responsibility. Whether it was driving the skid steer, setting up for the livestock shows or queen contest you could count on Joe to get the job done and to do it right! Through his years volunteering for the Henry County Fair Joe “roped” his family into assisting as well. Joe's children: Jenny and Nick Beschorner, Luke Vantiger, Traci Venghaus and his grandchildren, Grant, Gracie, Max and Brooks are permanent fixtures during the Henry County Fair. You can find them working right alongside the adults and just getting things done.
Joe passed away in 2021 doing what he loved most, farming, and he passed his work ethic and dedication to the fair on to his family, who are carrying the torch for Joe.