The Frieders Family has been farming in Illinois for seven generations. Michael Frieders and his wife Christina emigrated from Luxembourg to the area known as Big Woods, near Aurora, Illinois on the great prairie of the United States.
Ronald grew up on the family farmstead in Aurora, working side by side with his father Roy, mother Elaine and siblings. At a young age, he was responsible for many chores. It was always Ron’s dream to farm so upon graduating from Naperville High School in 1970, he joined his parents operation full-time. Two years later Ron married his sweetheart Denise. Denise grew up on her family’s small farm which as luck would have it was right next door.
The Frieders family milked Holstein dairy cows, raised beef cattle, farrowed hogs, and raised chickens. They also grew hay, oats, wheat, corn and soybeans.
Ron and Denise’s eldest son Ryan joined the farming operation following his graduation from North Central College. He continued his education while working to complete his Masters degree in Crop Science from the University of Illinois.
The family business blossomed again with Ryan’s marriage to Deanne. Deanne grew up in the small town of Shabbona and lived as a newborn in a farmhouse up the road from where she lives now with her family. Ryan and Deanne have four children; Ava, Carson, Eleanor and Luke.
Community Involvement
Giving back to our community is very important to our family.
Ron serves as Treasurer of the DuPage County Farm Bureau. He has been on the Board of Directors for over 10 years. Ron is also currently serving as President of the Victor Drainage District in DeKalb County.
Under Denise’s direction, the family participates in the DeKalb County Adopt-a-Highway program helping to keep America beautiful.
Ryan is participating in the Texas A&M Executive Program for Agriculture Professionals. He is a 2008 graduate of the Illinois Agriculture Leadership Program. Ryan retired as Assistant Fire Chief and EMT from the Waterman Community Fire District after serving 10 years. Presently, Ryan serves as an elected Board Member of the Indian Creek 425 School District.
Deanne is an excellent cook and has her own website about farm life and food, This Farm Girl Cooks . She also finds time to cook meals for the local homeless shelter. She serves as Vice President of the Indian Creek Community Concern for Children’s (CCC) organization.
