DFA Spokesman Dan Reuwee Dies at 56

Dan Reuwee, director of cooperative communications and media relations for Dairy Farmers of America, died April 2 due to complications following surgery. He was 56.

Born into an Ohio farm family, Reuwee devoted his career to promoting U.S. agriculture.

After graduating from The Ohio State University, Reuwee held communications posts with Future Farmers of America, the American Soybean Assn. and Mid-America Dairy Inc. He was named to his most recent position when Mid-America Dairymen merged with three other dairy co-ops to form DFA in 1998.

"Dan Reuwee was articulate and effective as DFA's vital link to the professional media," DFA President/CEO Gary Hanman said. "He was accessible, honest and straightforward in his representations of DFA and American agriculture to the press. DFA has lost a great voice to the media and we all have lost a good friend. The DFA corporate family is deeply saddened."

He was the recipient of numerous awards, including professional achievement honors from the Agricultural Relations Council and the National Milk Producers Federation.

Reuwee was past president of the Agricultural Relations Council and the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives, and was a member of Cooperative Communicators, the National Assn. of Farm Broadcasters, and the American Agriculture Editors Assn.

A Vietnam War veteran, he returned to his alma mater following his tour of duty overseas to earn a master's degree in journalism.

Reuwee is survived by his wife Barbara and their two children, Laura and Brian. A memorial fund has been established in support of Habitat for Humanity. Memorials can be sent to: Habitat for Humanity, % Church Archer Pasley, Attn. Jo Nelson, 119 East Franklin, Liberty, Missouri 64068.

Edited by Gerry Clark