Chuck Troyer honored posthumously by Northern Plains Potato Growers Association
Troyer, who died in December, spent his life in the potato industry, including at Troyer Manufacturing and later Black Gold Farms.
Troyer passed away Dec. 3, 2020 at the age of 82. He was born in Smithville, Ohio and started working for Troyer Manufacturing out of high school, a company his father started.
He moved to East Grand Forks, Minnesota in 1961 and opened Troyer Manufacturing of the Red River Valley with his brother, Jim. They specialized in building and selling potato equipment.
From left, Black Gold Farms’ Gregg and Eric Halverson present the NPPGA Meritorious Service Award to Chuck’s daughters; Lori Troyer, Dee Dee Terrill and Patti Stordahl. Photo: NPPGA
“Chuck had a tremendous passion for potatoes and an even greater passion for potato people,” Eric Halverson, CEO, Black Gold Farms, told NPPGA. “He made many great contributions to the industry over the years. Chuck knew just about everyone, and they respected his knowledge regarding many things but potato equipment in particular.”
“His biggest contribution to the industry, however, in my opinion, was that Chuck was such a great person. He had an infectious laugh, and he was the type of person that was always willing to lend a hand. He loved hanging out and chatting with potato people, he put the interests of others ahead of himself. I can’t imagine the potato industry without Chuck as a part of it.”
Troyer was a lifelong potato associate and gave a great deal of his time to the potato industry.
The NPPGA MSA award was presented to Troyer’s three daughters at Black Gold Farm’s Grand Forks, North Dakota office by Eric Halverson and Gregg Halverson.
He was most deserving of this award and will truly be missed by everyone.
— Northern Plains Potato Growers Association