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As
farmers came to Northwest Iowa in the late 1800’s to homestead and
establish their farm operations, there was a critical need for dependable fire
insurance. This insurance was available from privately owned “stock”
companies, but the insurance was expensive and the service in Northwest Iowa
was generally poor. Throughout the state, groups of local farmers were coming
together to form local county mutual insurance associations. The goal of these
associations was to provide insurance that was fairly priced, and to allow
local service to its members.
In 1890 a group of farmers from Lyon,
Sioux and Plymouth counties met and agreed to form a county mutual insurance
association. All organizational requirements had been met by the middle of
1891. German Farmers Mutual Insurance Association was founded on July 6, 1891
in Ireton, IA.
The first President of the Association was Henry F.
Becker of Ireton. He served in this capacity for 53 years. Other officers
elected at this meeting were Hans Moeller (Ireton), Vice President; John Klehn
(Rock Rapids, IA), Treasurer; and Albert Doering (Ireton), Treasurer.
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In the early
years the Association was run from the farm homesteads of the officers. By 1933
the Association had grown to the point where it was necessary to hire a full
time manager. Martin T. Moeller had been farming near Carmel, IA and was hired
as Secretary (manager) of the Association in 1933. At the same time the
Association rented office space and was established in Sioux Center, IA. Martin
T. Moeller served as Secretary of the Association until 1953.
In 1953,
Jacob I. Moeller replaced his father as Secretary of the Association. In 1958
German Farmers Mutual moved to its current address of 116 N. Main Avenue. Jacob
served as Secretary for the Association for 24 years, until his death in 1977.
Martin J. Moeller succeeded his father Jacob in the capacity of
Secretary of the Association in 1977. Martin served as Secretary for 30 years,
until his death in 2007. In 1992 the current office building was constructed,
and it remains a fixture of the Sioux Center Main Avenue.
In 2007
Martin J. Moeller was succeeded by his son, Jason B. Moeller. Today Jason is
the fourth generation of the Moeller family to serve the policy holders of
German Farmers Mutual.
With over 100 years of insurance industry
experience, current office staff consists of Bruce Koerselman, Vice President
and adjuster; Bernard Nibbelink, Inspections; Ila Harskamp, Administration; and
Barb Hoekstra, Administration.
At German Farmers Mutual Insurance
Association our goal remains the same after 118 years: To provide local
insurance services at a fair price and with exceptional service. Protecting the
Farm and Home since 1891 – German Farmers Mutual Insurance Association.
Sincerely,
Jason B. Moeller – President/Treasurer
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