Ross Mauer has seen many changes as a Waunakee area large animal veterinarian for the past 39 years.
Ross talked about some of these, including the introduction of robotics and automation, during his classification talk at the Jan. 10 Waunakee Rotary Club meeting.
Mauer lived all of his adult life in Waunakee. His wife passed away eight years ago from breast cancer, and he has two grown children. His father and mother, age 102 and 96, respectively, are still living.
Ross grew up on the family farm in Beaver Dam where they raised hogs. His father’s motto, “if it wasn’t hard work, it wasn’t work,” convinced him to look for a different career.
After graduating in 1970 from Beaver Dam High School, he was accepted to Iowa State University where he completed his undergraduate degree then began veterinary school.
Ross and his friends began a university book store selling books and instruments to the students. He graduated in 1979, a year after fellow Rotarian Bob Klostermann graduated. Bob had come to Waunakee to work, and Ross followed. With, with additional doctors, they had clinics in Middleton, Waunakee and DeForest.
When they split up in 1995, Ross went on to work only with large animals.
Ross talked about all the changes his parents have seen during their long lives and some he has witnessed. He said agriculture is becoming more robotic. Genetic testing of cattle today reveals their hereditary and health traits to breed for the best. Farmers have gotten too good at what they’ve done, he said, and they’re struggling because of it.
He called his career the best job he’s ever had, and though he’s retired, he still has they many friends he made along the way.
Ross talked about some of these, including the introduction of robotics and automation, during his classification talk at the Jan. 10 Waunakee Rotary Club meeting.
Mauer lived all of his adult life in Waunakee. His wife passed away eight years ago from breast cancer, and he has two grown children. His father and mother, age 102 and 96, respectively, are still living.
Ross grew up on the family farm in Beaver Dam where they raised hogs. His father’s motto, “if it wasn’t hard work, it wasn’t work,” convinced him to look for a different career.
After graduating in 1970 from Beaver Dam High School, he was accepted to Iowa State University where he completed his undergraduate degree then began veterinary school.
Ross and his friends began a university book store selling books and instruments to the students. He graduated in 1979, a year after fellow Rotarian Bob Klostermann graduated. Bob had come to Waunakee to work, and Ross followed. With, with additional doctors, they had clinics in Middleton, Waunakee and DeForest.
When they split up in 1995, Ross went on to work only with large animals.
Ross talked about all the changes his parents have seen during their long lives and some he has witnessed. He said agriculture is becoming more robotic. Genetic testing of cattle today reveals their hereditary and health traits to breed for the best. Farmers have gotten too good at what they’ve done, he said, and they’re struggling because of it.
He called his career the best job he’s ever had, and though he’s retired, he still has they many friends he made along the way.
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Vaughn Frye from the Waunakee Area EMS told the club about a monument planned to celebrate its 40th year of volunteer service.
It will include the names of volunteers who have served 15 years or more, along with a history of the service and its founding members. Vaughn asked the club for its support of the project. Anyone wishing to donate can visit the GoFundMe page, or contact Vaughn. Checks can be made to Waunakee Area EMS with “monument” in the memo area.
It will include the names of volunteers who have served 15 years or more, along with a history of the service and its founding members. Vaughn asked the club for its support of the project. Anyone wishing to donate can visit the GoFundMe page, or contact Vaughn. Checks can be made to Waunakee Area EMS with “monument” in the memo area.
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During club assembly, the following reports were given:
-the scholarship application process is underway and four sophomores will be found to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.
-Fellowship programs will include watching basketball in March, a beer event in the spring and the Steak Fry at Schumacher Farm Park in June. Suggestions are sought about the boating event in July.
-The Easter Egg Hunt will be April 13 at a new location – Village Park. Tri 4 Schools is May 18; Whitetails is Feb. 19.
-A Rotary Friendship Exchange is planned with New Mexico.
-the scholarship application process is underway and four sophomores will be found to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.
-Fellowship programs will include watching basketball in March, a beer event in the spring and the Steak Fry at Schumacher Farm Park in June. Suggestions are sought about the boating event in July.
-The Easter Egg Hunt will be April 13 at a new location – Village Park. Tri 4 Schools is May 18; Whitetails is Feb. 19.
-A Rotary Friendship Exchange is planned with New Mexico.
Other News:
–The club welcomed Jim and Jean Elvekrog as new members, the first to join with the new family member designation.
–The club’s board of directors met and approved several donations, as follows: Camp Kesan, $500; Porchlight, $250; St. John’s auction, $250; Shelter Box, $2,000; Movin’ Out, $250.
–Gary Epping and Taylor Endres gave their 90 seconds of fame. Gary joined the club in 1987. He’s lived in Waunakee since 1976 and is married to Jane. They have two daughters. He’s been involved as an EMS member, softball coach and Rotarian.
–Taylor has been a Rotarian for three years and grew up in Waunakee. He sponsor, Rex Endres, is his uncle.
–Checks for $8,716.24 were presented to the service clubs that organized Wauktoberfest.
–The club welcomed Jim and Jean Elvekrog as new members, the first to join with the new family member designation.
–The club’s board of directors met and approved several donations, as follows: Camp Kesan, $500; Porchlight, $250; St. John’s auction, $250; Shelter Box, $2,000; Movin’ Out, $250.
–Gary Epping and Taylor Endres gave their 90 seconds of fame. Gary joined the club in 1987. He’s lived in Waunakee since 1976 and is married to Jane. They have two daughters. He’s been involved as an EMS member, softball coach and Rotarian.
–Taylor has been a Rotarian for three years and grew up in Waunakee. He sponsor, Rex Endres, is his uncle.
–Checks for $8,716.24 were presented to the service clubs that organized Wauktoberfest.
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Guests: Scott Russell, guest of the club; Adam Bentley, guest of Todd Schmidt; Jean and Jim Elvekrog, guests of Mark McFarland; Caitlin Durden, guest of Pat Durden.
Visiting Rotarians: None.
Birthdays: Jan. 18, Rich Harris
Visiting Rotarians: None.
Birthdays: Jan. 18, Rich Harris
Anniversaries: None.
