Soo Line: Lichtys Stay True to the Creed of ‘Faith, Family & Farm’

By Soo Greiman

Wholey cow, the Lichty family has been busy!

Only six weeks ago, on a hot August day, members of the Pat and Randy Lichty family gathered in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds for special recognition.

They came because the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, together with the Iowa Farm Bureau, was recognizing families who, for generations, have kept their farms in the family. Awards were presented to Century Farms, which have remained in the same family for at least 100 years, and Heritage Farms, which have remained in the same family for at least 150 years.

Wearing matching T-shirts bearing the name “Terra View Farms,” matriarch Pat Lichty, along with sons Chris, Joe, Clark, Luke and John — the current farm operator — and their families stepped onto the stage to accept the Heritage Farm honor.

Amid the hoopla were thoughts of past generations who also loved the farm. They included Quinter, Clark and Elmer Lichty, as well as great-great-great-grandfather Hiram Lichty, who established the family farm.

Orange Township history tells of Hiram leaving his rock-filled farm in Pennsylvania around 1866 after hearing of the rich farmland available west of the Mississippi River. Iowa ground at the time was priced at $8 to $10 an acre, so Hiram purchased several parcels in southern Black Hawk County, building his farm on land near what is now 7735 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo.

Despite the happy celebration underway at the State Fair, Lichty family members could not help but think about one of their own who was not there. Sadly, the life of their husband, father and grandfather Randy, 71, had been taken by cancer eight months earlier.

The dual challenges of grief and the immediate demands of running the farm without Randy were powerful. Thankfully, son John, who for years had farmed side by side with his dad, knew what was needed to manage their crop and livestock operation and how to get it done.

After Randy’s passing, he was grateful that his brothers often stepped in with help and support. Everyone knew the farm had to keep going. The next crop season waits for no one.

It’s what brought the Lichty family to a stage at the State Fair in August to accept the Heritage Farm honor.

It’s now up to John and his wife, Kayla, the sixth and current generation to farm the ground. Like Randy, they raise corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs and kids — four in all. Grandma Pat is not far away on another Lichty farm purchased in 1911.

Their exceedingly busy farm schedule didn’t end with the Heritage Farm recognition.

Earlier this year, a former pastor called and asked John and Kayla to host this year’s Rural Life Mass for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

They said yes.

That’s how it happened on Sept. 18 that a Catholic Mass was held at Pat and Randy’s farm south of Waterloo.

It was the third annual Rural Life Mass the Archdiocese of Dubuque has held in this area of the state. The annual event offers an opportunity to show gratitude for the gift of rural life and renew a commitment to being good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

“I thought it would be good,” said Kayla, who also grew up on a farm near Denver. She worked on planning the event details with Deacon Nick Elliott, archdiocesan co-coordinator of rural life ministry. “We talked to a lot of people who are excited to come.”

When the day of the Rural Life Mass arrived, the weather was not cooperative. Rain poured down, thunder rumbled across the sky and lightning flashed now and then.

Even so, a good crowd arrived, as did a busload of attendees. Guided by helping hands, they parked in nearby farm fields and tromped through puddles to the huge tent and canopies situated between Pat’s house and the large red barn.

Dubuque Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, a former farm boy who grew up near Mount Vernon, Iowa, presided as celebrant. Accompanying him were a number of his brother priests. Providing background music was an energetic young choir, some of whom huddled under umbrellas, along with the mooing of cattle and several cackling chickens.

“A farm is a gift. Good soil is a gift. Rain, at the right times, not necessarily now, is a gift,” Zinkula said, drawing laughs from the audience. “Animals entrusted to our care are a gift. The ability to work the land is a gift. Family is a gift. Knowledge handed down from one generation to the next is a gift.”

Later, after the homily, those gathered noticed the drenching rain had ended and sunshine appeared.

Zinkula took the opportunity to bless the farm animals and the land. Then, standing in the shadow of a huge John Deere 8400 tractor, he offered a blessing of the farm equipment and the coming harvest.

A brief program followed, recognizing individuals and families for their contributions.

Receiving the “Friend of the Farmer” honor were Hudson couple Dr. Phil and Pat Edler.

“He loves the farmers so much he never shuts his cell phone off,” Zinkula noted. “They can always reach him day or night whenever their animals need help.”

After closing the Mass with prayer, Zinkula gave a blessing for the meal of hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by the Black Hawk County Cattlemen and other menu items provided by Randall’s Grocery. Around 300 people were served.

Calling the Lichty family forward to stand near their large red barn, the archbishop thanked them for offering their farm as the site of the Rural Life Mass.

“One of the most fitting things we can do, as farmers and as people of faith, is simply to say, ‘Thank you, God.’ A good steward doesn’t simply consume a gift. A good steward cultivates it and passes it on.”