Sheep Industry News June 2022

Obituaries

wool testing lab, North Central literally became a world leader in getting the American wool trade to accept micron and scoured yield results in establishing wool prices. He helped organize the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers and contin ued to support the organization with their booth at the Minnesota State Fair for many years. Through the matchmaking skills of mutual friend – Dr. Robert Jordan – Dick was introduced to Juanita (Boeck enhauer) Reed, who was to become his wife of 33 years. They were married April 26, 1989, at Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church bringing together their blended family of seven children. He is survived by wife, Juanita, and their blended family: children Jill Glass, Carrie (Craig) Ludetke, Tobin (Ginger) Castle, Kent (Peggy) Reed, Kelly (Kevin) Willis; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Weis and Elizabeth Peterson. Memorials may be directed to Richard Boniface and Juanita Reed-Boniface 4-H Endowment (2961), c/o U of MN Foun dation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486 or to the family.

the United States and Japan. On Thanks giving 1951, he entered the Korean War through Inchon Harbor and served on the line at the middle of the 38th Parallel with the Second Battalion of the 180th Infantry Regiment under the 45th Infan try Division. He then transferred to Yon Chon where he served as a prison guard under the Eighth Army. On June 7, 1953, he married Inez M. Westby at Central Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, Minn. To this union, they welcomed Meridee, Paul, Bonnie and Mark. LeRoy’s education and career took him to many places. After working in Austin, Minn., as a Hormel Company livestock buyer, LeRoy and his family moved to Hettinger, N.D., where he was a North Dakota State University Experi ment Station superintendent. In 1967, he earned his master’s degree in animal science from the University of Wyoming, followed by a doctor ate in 1972 from South Dakota State University. He then became a Professor of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming, where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 1990. During his time at UW, LeRoy trav eled with the extension department throughout Wyoming and also served many years as advisor to the UW Wool Judging Team. His affinity for judging wool at county and state fairs throughout the country continued well into retire ment. In 1990, LeRoy and Inez settled in Sheridan. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lorraine, and brother Eldon “Bud.” He is remembered and missed by his wife of 68 years, Inez; chil dren Meridee (Kurt) Piel of Sheridan, Paul Johnson of Buffalo, Wyo., Bonnie Johnson of Pinehurst, N.C., and Mark (Lisa) Johnson of Holualoa, Hawaii; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Sheridan Senior Center or Trinity Lutheran Church.

RICHARD "DICK" BONIFACE, 1930-2022 Richard “Dick” Lee Boniface was

born Jan. 26, 1930, in Rockford, Ill., to Harry and Hulda (Olsen) Boniface. He passed away on April 19, 2022. The family later moved near Darien,

Wis., where he attended high school at Darien High School, graduating in 1947. Following high school he took a “skip year” and worked at Getzen Music and Thiele Construction before beginning his college education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dick began as a music major, and played in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, but discovered his inter ests were more agriculture/business re lated. After completing his bachelor’s de gree in agricultural economics in 1952, he began a 38-year career in marketing with North Central Wool Marketing – a regional cooperative in Minneapolis. He began on the grading crew, and then moved to wool buyer and supervi sor of field staff. Later, he was appointed public relations director, editor for the Wool Sack – the company’s membership paper – and director of field service. Un der his direction, the buying operation in the fleece wool area east of Missouri River included 175 buyers, seven area supervisors, acquiring 6 to 9 million pounds of wool a year. Dick traveled to all parts of the North Central United States recruiting, train ing and supervising field staff, organiz ing and speaking at meetings of sheep producers and association leaders. He originated the grade and yield method of marketing wool, making it possible to sell wool on the current market on a quality basis, and selling ahead on a historic profile of grades. In implementing and operating the

C. LEROY JOHNSON, 1928-2022 C. LeRoy Johnson, age 94 and long

time resident of Sheridan, Wyo.,

passed away on May 2, 2022. He was born Jan. 17th, 1928, in Valley City, N.D., to Leonard and Emelia “Peggy” (Gustafson)

Johnson. As a young boy, he lived on the fam ily farm, attended country school, and later graduated from Valley City High School in 1946. He received his bachelor of science degree in animal science from North Dakota State University in 1950. On Oct. 26, 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant following training in

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