Michigan State Horticultural Society

Distinguished Service Award 2004

Rodney Winkel, son of Arden and Louella Winkel, is receiving this year’s Distinguished Service Award for his participation in the fruit industry. Rodney and his wife, Jeannette, have three grown daughters and two grandsons. He graduated from Hartford High School as Salutatorian and continued his education from MSU, receiving his B.S. in Horticulture. He was in various fraternities and has held several offices in the organizations he was involved in, including being the President of the Pomoler Club and recipient of the Gerber Scholarship and H.B. Tukey Award.

From 1969 – 1999, Rodney partnered with his uncle, Alton Wendzel, in Greg Orchards, Inc., a fruit and vegetable farm in Bainbridge Township. Rodney and his wife, Jeanette, purchased and now own and operate it as Grandview Orchards, Inc., producing asparagus, cherries, peaches, apples, squash, and grapes in Bainbridge Township. They are also in partnership with Barry Winkel and Brad Wendzel in Greg Orchards & Produce, Inc., a fruit packing and sales company in Millburg.

Rodney is very active and has held numerous positions including board member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and President in 1995. He has served as a member on the MACMA Asparagus Committee, Michigan Processing Apple Committee, Michigan Processing Asparagus Growers Committee, and MACMA Board of Directors. He was Chairman of both the MACMA Apple Study Committee and Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board. He is a member of the Michigan and National Peach Sponsors and IDFTA.

He is currently President of Coloma Co-operative Canning and Vice President of Coloma Frozen Foods and C.I.A.B. Board, the Michigan State Horticultural Society Trust Committee, and SWMREC Advisory Committee. His versatility includes membership in US Apple, Michigan State Horticultural Society, Vegetable Council, and the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Rodney served in the community on the Watervliet Community Hospital Board of Directors, Bainbridge Township Planning Commission, and is a current member of the Watervliet Lions Club.

The Michigan State Horticulture Society is pleased to announce Rodney Winkel with the 2004 Distinguished Service Award for his many contributions to his community and the farming industry.