College Corner farmer Walt Zoellner turned 90 this past weekend, offering an opportunity for friends and family to gather and celebrate.  Zoellner, a man called “exemplary” by one guest and whom another described as “one of the best men you’ll ever meet,” had expected a small gathering planned by his wife Debbie, maybe some family and friends stopping by for cake.  What he didn’t know is that neighbor and friend Don Jackson had been planning a surprise.

One of Walt’s passions later in his lengthy dairy farming career was the restoration of older tractors.  He and Debbie own eight, dating in age back to the early ‘40s, and Zoellner had restored them all himself.  Seeing that Walt wasn’t able to get out and work on them the way he’d have liked to, Don decided to plan a little pick-me-up for his friend in honor of the occasion.  Jackson, who is also chief of the WCC Fire Department, enlisted the help of Rusty Bolser, and the two men got all eight tractors running. These classics included a 1949 red Farmall H, a a 1948 Ford 8N, and a 1951 John Deere M getting a quick tune-up at the 11th hour.  Shortly before the Zoellners were expecting guests to arrive, a crowd gathered nearby as each tractor was brought out of the barn, a sight to behold. They then headed parade-style down the road to the house, each one driven by someone who loved Mr. Zoellner. As the antique machines made their way to their owners, traffic stopped to allow the procession, and even the rain let up.  It is difficult to describe the effect of hearing and seeing the tractors come down the road and turn into the driveway where Walt and Debbie waited, but suffice it to say there were few dry eyes that witnessed.  At times overcome with emotion, Mr. Zoellner waved at each tractor and its occupants as they passed by and parked in the backyard, engines still rumbling. Folks gathered around the Zoellners chatting, enjoying a birthday cake with John Deere tractors on it. The day was a testament to what happens when community members look out for each other, and to the respect and admiration held for the man of the hour. “You’d be hard pressed to find someone who is as hard working and good hearted as Walt Zoellner,” said one guest through tears.  “You don’t meet many folks like him.” Surrounded by friends, family, and a lifelong legacy, this birthday was one few who were present will soon forget.