Remembering Jerry Untiedt
Remembering Jerry Untiedt
of Untiedt's Vegetable Farm
Contributed by Kowalski's Produce Director Max Maddaus, September 2026.
At Kowalski's Markets, we are heartbroken by the passing of our longtime friend and partner, Jerry Untiedt.
For more than 20 years, Kowalski's has had the privilege of partnering with Untiedt's "We Grow for You" Vegetable Farm. Through that partnership, our customers have enjoyed some of the finest Minnesota Grown produce available anywhere. To those of us who knew Jerry personally, he was far more than an exceptional grower. He was one of the most humble, gracious and generous people you could ever meet.
Jerry was a teacher without ever trying to be one. He shared his time, wisdom and knowledge freely, and I could not begin to count the lessons I learned from him over the years. Whether simply walking a field, discussing a crop or talking about life, Jerry had a unique way of making each conversation meaningful.
What made Jerry so special was that he and his family always farmed with purpose. He cared deeply for the land he stewarded and the people who helped him work it. His seasonal employees were never just workers. They were treated like family. That same spirit extended to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Some of my favorite memories are of bringing my wife and four children to the farm. Jerry welcomed us into his world, where we picked apples, rode tractors and helped feed cattle. Those moments weren't just visits to a farm. They gave my family the opportunity to experience the values Jerry lived every day and gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes to grow the food we eat.
His impact on Minnesota agriculture is difficult to measure. His sweet corn became a beloved tradition at the Minnesota State Fair. His apples and tomatoes stunned the taste buds of generations of customers. Those accomplishments pale in comparison to the relationships he cultivated throughout his life. Jerry understood that farming was ultimately about nourishing people, not just with food but through community, trust and kindness.
Jerry's legacy lives on through the farm, through the family he loved so dearly and through the next generation carrying his work forward, including his daughters, son-in-law and grandson. It also lives on in the countless people he mentored, encouraged and inspired.
Every phone call I had with Jerry ended the same way: “That'll be fine that way. Take care. Talk soon.”
We extend our deepest condolences to the Untiedt family and everyone whose lives were touched by Jerry. We are grateful for his friendship, his leadership and his partnership.
In remembrance,
Max
