By Mari Radtke
The late Ken Maurer purchased the feed store he worked for in Sutherland from Jay Hakes in 1956, renaming it “Ken’s Feed.” Hakes moved to Laurens opening Flaming Foods.
Five Maurer children were raised in Sutherland while their dad built a strong, service oriented business. Ron owns a repair shop in Cherokee. Greg builds cabinets in Webb City, MO. Gail joined in 1980 after graduating from Iowa State University and Bradley entered into the family business in 1982 after graduating from Northwest Iowa Community Collge. Cindy Lundquist joined following their mother’s pasing in 1985.
Gail explains the business operated as a “mom and pop” place until the 80’s when the children grew the business. They bild a feed mill in 1985. Northwest Oil was purchased from Burt Faust in 1987. An elevator was built in Calumet in 1989.
The company was licensed to hold up to 285,000 bushels in 1989. Adding bins began in 1990 or 91 according to Gail. They built bins as the company could afford them with the most recent project completed in 2020. The company is now licensed for up to 3 million bushels of grain.

None of the next generation want to take on the venture. The sibling trio have casually looked for a buyer for the past few years.
The history of Gengler Feed Service dates back to about 50 years as Gengler Feed Service. Today President Dale Schroeder and Director Todd Tentinger lead the organization. Tentinger began working at Gengler Feed Service 20 years ago. He became a part owner in 2014. Tentinger purchased a portion of the business from bob Gengler who helped Todd with the numbers of the company and make a great start.
Changes to Gengler Feed Service during the past decade Tentinger describes as “a lot.” They built a brand new feed mill. From that mill both hog and cattle feed is produced. Tentinger estimates about 80% is hog while the remaining 20% goes to the cattle feeders. They’ve added 6 bins and 2 dryers at the South Marion Street complex in Remsen. The office building was competely rebuilt where two bins once stood.
Both Ken’s Feed and Gengler Feed Serivce are independent feed producers. When Maurer looked for a buyer, remaining an independent producer was important. That same philosphy is part of the Gengler Feed Service culture. According to Todd Tentinger, “We are independent producers. We appreciate every one of our customers. We will still support the town.” That independence was part of the attraction for both companies.
Tentinger describes the two companies as “mirror images” of each other. Remsen produces more feed. Ken’s moves more grain. Both work hard to accommodate their customers as much as possible. Non GMO grain is one of the special efforts taken by the independent producers. Tentinger considers that as a bit of a niche market as he looks at the competition from larger feed producers.
While the earliest discussions about a possible sale began several years ago, it was this summer that Gail Maurer reached out to Todd Tentinger for more serious discussion. Tentinger recalls, “I was in Danbury at a softball game. The conversation took place during the drive home.”
That Saturday, Tentinger with Dale Schroederand their sons took a trip to Sutherland and Calumet to have a look. They met with Gail. Over the next 4 or 5 months a deal was struck. Tentinger speaks very highly of the Maurers. “We watched them dump beans and corn. We liked the relationship they had with their customers. It’s nice to see in both places.”
Papers were signed in November 2023. The sale was official on January 2, 2024. The fuel business was not part of the sale.
Gail and Bradley remain in their jobs. Tentinger hoping that stays for some time to come. Cindy retired and can be found somewhere on a beach in Mexico (maybe exaggerated a bit).
Both locations look toward the future. New people, new skills to provide ever improving customer service is at the heart of this now larger Gengler Feed Service meet its goals – to continue to grow in the communities where they have infrastructure and in the neighboring communities.
Tentinger recognizes the need to support the communities and what it takes for a future saying, “Whatever it takes to ge tyounger generations to come back to town. We need them to come back.” He is also appreciative of how well it’s been going and the community support they’ve received.