 My Generation - the Blog 
A closer look at life on a young farmer's operation. |
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Our Friend, Greg |
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| Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:00 AM |
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I’d like to tell you about our friend, Greg. Greg was a father, a husband, a friend and a farmer, and he was killed in a devastating car accident last week as a snowstorm blew into Fulton County.
And so it is that a tiny farm community in a corner of western Illinois mourns the loss of a man who loved so well and was respected by so many that 1,500 people passed through our little white church in the country to tell his family what he meant to them. 1,500 people. Just think about that.
Our community is reeling. So is our circle of friends, and our larger farm community. At just 56, Greg was a good man. He had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was a good farmer, and he ran a farming and trucking business with his brother, Brett. He was a dealer for Precision Planting, and was, in fact, on his way to their winter conference when he was killed. He even let me write a story about him a few years back, sharing some of the ways he’s learned to plant no-till corn in the spring, and appearing on the cover.
I think of the hole left in this community, but even more so, of the hole left in his family. For his children, Nick, Erin and Emily, for their spouses and for his nine grandchildren.
But especially for his precious wife, Charlotte, who was the absolute love of his life. Greg and Charlotte just were not your average couple. They did everything together. They were like peas and carrots. They had been married 35 years last year and celebrated with a trip to Hawaii. They awoke every day together with a walk down the road, through the little town of Ellisville, across the Spoon River bridge, and back. Their daughter, Erin, lives just next to that bridge; she can’t imagine not seeing their little jacket reflectors bobbing down the road. I can’t imagine her not getting to see that.
And when John and Kendra Smiley led a marriage conference at our church last year and the room was filled with younger couples who are mostly raising small kids and hanging on by our ragged little fingernails, there were Greg and Charlotte. Married 35 years, they were still looking for ways to make it better. Full of wisdom but eager to learn, they weren’t content to rest. Marriage, as an institution, was important to them.
I remember a skit Greg and Charlotte did together at church, just a few years ago. I’m sure it had a point, though I don’t remember that point. What I do so clearly remember is that they were pretending to be an older couple, sitting together on their porch swing, reflecting on their life together and on how much they loved living it together. And I thought how they weren’t really acting; they were just playing themselves 20 years down the road. That was the point when I decided, I hope we can be like them. I hope my husband and I can know the kind of love and devotion that’s carved out over time and polished by love and experience.
Like my own husband, Greg was one of four worship leaders at our little country Bible church. The Sunday before he died, he and his beautiful Erin stood on stage and sang together. I remember him catching my eye as he dismissed the kids for junior church, as I held our squirmy 3-year-old who was asking approximately every 20 seconds, “When will it be time for junior church?” He saw and he knew, and he grinned at me.
Greg loved people. He couldn’t pass up someone in need. And he took every opportunity to build a person up. He was the kind of person who would stop me in church and tell me I looked pretty that day, and as I’d deflect and say something about how John got this sweater or this dress or whatever for me, he’d grin. “Well, you look pretty.” Not my sweater, not my dress, but me. The thing is, of course, that he did this with so many people. Stories have just abounded of Greg’s kindnesses. I have dearly loved hearing from our young people how Greg spoke to them as he did to me.
Still, to me, his lasting legacy will be of a marriage done right. My heart breaks for his precious wife. This was a man who lovingly laid out a fresh towel and her toothbrush for her every morning, who started her car and turned on her heated seats because he knew she hated to be cold. Who sought out a real cup when they traveled so she could have "hot tea in a hard cup." Greg and Charlotte were in the midst of remodeling their old farmhouse when he was killed; indeed, they had even moved out. Charlotte will have to finish without him. But how blessed she was, as was he, that they had so many good years together.
Their daughter, Emily, said it so well: if he couldn’t be by Charlotte’s side, the only other place he’d want to be was with his Savior. Greg’s passion was to bring people to Christ. To tell them of their Savior’s love for them, and that his life was changed through his relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s his real legacy. And that’s what the 1,500 people who showed up at his services saw in him.
Greg wasn't perfect; no one is. We all laughed when his son, Nick, said, "He was a sinner. He had hogs and hogs could make a nun swear." How true.
When it comes down to it, here was one man, in one farm community, in one township in one corner of a single county in the great rural Midwest who lived well, who loved well and who showed enough grace, honesty and integrity that his simply being gone has affected so many. His legacy will carry on for generations. Thankfully, it’s not often that I sit in our little white church in the country and listen as the steeple bell is rung for a life well lived. But what a life it was.
May we finish as well as Greg. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 23 at 11:27 PM |
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| That was a beautiful tribute! He sounds like a wonderful, kind,& thoughtful man. I never knew him & have never been to your church, although I've passed it many times & thought how cute it was. Now I know it's filled with thoughtful & compassionate people. Sorry for your loss! Jesus Bless You & your family. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 19 at 11:22 AM |
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| What a beautiful article- so touching. What a beautiful family- and wonderful legacy. May each of us be challenged by not only his faith- but the way in which he lived his faith out. Not the words he spoke- but the life that backed those words up. The thoughts and prayers of the people of our country Bible church go to the family in friends in your country Bible church.
Pastor Don Miller
Coal Creek Bible Church
coalcreekbible.org |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 19 at 10:36 AM |
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| Holly, what a wonderful story! Bob and I knew Greg was special, touched by God, but this week has convinced us he was truly one of Gods children, We have often wondered why our crops on such thin soil were so productive, now we understand why. Greg will be missed by all of us, but we are sure God had a path for him on earth and in Heaven, Thanks for writing such a tribute!! Karen Chatterton |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 19 at 7:38 AM |
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| Holly, a beautiful tribute, absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 10:28 PM |
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| Mother Teresa once said: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Greg lived his life according to God's word and was a living example of Mother Teresa's words. Let us all live by the example he set for us. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 10:22 PM |
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| What a wonderful tribute about a man who touched so many lives! |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:42 PM |
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| "Well done". Greg has now heard those words. Praying for the family!
-Glenn Kaiser, Chicago |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:35 PM |
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| What a wonderful story it brought tears to all our eyes. Prayers to the family and to your church family.
Holly Runner and family |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:08 PM |
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| Words of truth about one man who was the most Godly man I ever knew. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:05 PM |
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| Thank you Holly. Well said. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 7:53 PM |
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| The title of this article says more than some people might not know. I will never forget Greg and his family at the Fulton County Fair because they all always had smiles on their faces and spoke to everyone. Greg will be missed by so many people. The whole Chatterton Family have been and will be in my thoughts and prayers. Holly you did an awesome job on this article. Nobody else could of said it better.
Sheri Bennett |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 7:21 PM |
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| A sad loss for the family and the community...
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 4:31 PM |
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| Holly, Thank you for the beautiful description of what our community, church, and family has been going through this past week. Sincerely, Deanna (Brett) Chatterton |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 3:19 PM |
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| What an awesome tribute to a wonderful man I am proud to call my brother. Thank you.
Kim Chatterton Weese |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 1:14 PM |
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| This is the BEST column I have ever read in tribute to one great man. I have tears running down my cheeks while reading this. Every person he came in contact with was never a stranger again. My heart goes out to his wife, children and grandchildren. God bless them in their struggle to understand the "why" in the days ahead.
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 12::14 PM |
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| Thank you Holly for your tribute! Josh and I so wish we had been able to be 2 (or 6) of the 1500 people that honored him. We honor him in our hearts. He showed us that kind of love any time we were around him. Jen Jensen |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 11:19 AM |
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| I'm reading one of your best columns ever with tears in my eyes - nobody could have better described what a gift from God Greg truly was, and how he lived a life that is a model for all to see. He was a gem of a man who touched so many lives in such profound ways. Though it's been years since I lived and worked in that area, the loss is just as painful - God's comfort and blessings to the family and friends of an amazing man.
Bruce Johnson |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 10:27 AM |
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| You have summed it up a man whose legacy is one that will never be forgotten. I have been honored to know the Chattertons for many years and couldn't have written a better tribute to a man who has given so much and who more than lived his life for his Lord. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 10:20 AM |
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| Beautifully written words about a wonderful family. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:45 AM |
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| Thanks Holly for so nicely sharing this story of Greg. My heart bleeds for his family and your community. Our loss is Heaven's gain. |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:19 AM |
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| Your tribute to your dear friend reminded me of this quote. (a Cherokee saying) "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 9:00 AM |
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| Beautifully said Holly! I have know Greg since I was a little girl growing up in Fulton County and he truly was an amazing man. He will be missed by so many. Your article is a great tribute to him and his family. Tammy (Roberts) Bonney |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 8:42 AM |
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| Well done. KB |
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| Posted by Anonymous on January 18 at 8:22 AM |
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| Holly what a beautiful tribute that filled me with emotion. I am touched by Greg's legacy through your words.
Katie in ND |
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| We Get Letters |
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| Posted on May 09, 2012 at 8:55 AM |
| People can be so kind, and the letters we receive at Prairie Farmer are the absolute evidence of that. Words are powerful. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| HSUS: Perception as Reality |
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| Posted on May 01, 2012 at 3:05 PM |
| If you believe everything you hear, you might just think HSUS is for shelters, Kashi is natural and Nutella is healthy. Wait. They're not? |
| Category: Consumers |
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| BSE: Here's What We Know |
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| Posted on April 26, 2012 at 4:29 AM |
| The tests worked, USDA's system worked and our food supply is just as safe today as it was yesterday. Or even on the day BSE was discovered. |
| Category: Consumers |
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| How a Good Product Got a Bad Rap |
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| Posted on April 12, 2012 at 10:25 PM |
| Pink slime: lots of misinformation, followed by hype and more misinformation. Rinse, and repeat. But wait! Here are the facts. |
| Category: Issues |
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| The End of a Long Road |
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| Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:00 AM |
| Blog hiatus explained: my mother died last week. And here, a look at hope, her life and our changed lives on the farm. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| Master Farmers Give It Back |
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| Posted on March 07, 2012 at 4:29 AM |
| Half of all farmers and ranchers donate their time to youth organizations, compared to 7% of most Americans. Take a Master Farmer and that's 100%. |
| Category: Issues |
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| We Went Red...And Met Moms |
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| Posted on March 05, 2012 at 4:29 AM |
| Farm Moms hit the city for a fancy-schmancy event, connecting farmers with consumer moms in Chicago. |
| Category: Consumers |
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| How a Cow Can Change Everything |
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| Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:31 PM |
| World population expands. Ag technology spreads. Cows make more milk. Families have better lives. Check it out here. |
| Category: Technology |
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| Is Agriculture Waiting to Talk? |
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| Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:00 AM |
| Ken Cook offers up a contrarian view, not only of food production on the farm, but of telling agriculture's story. He may have a point. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Had It Not Been for 4-H House |
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| Posted on February 17, 2012 at 1:00 AM |
| A cooperative housing unit at the University of Illinois made a profound difference in my life. May it continue to do the same for generations. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| Loose: Not Taking Questions |
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| Posted on January 31, 2012 at 3:36 PM |
| The author of the story that launched degree-gate simply can't answer any questions. Today. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Our Friend, Greg |
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| Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:00 AM |
| An entire community mourns for Greg Chatterton – farmer, father, husband and friend to so very many. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| When the New York Times Calls |
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| Posted on January 06, 2012 at 1:00 AM |
| It's not always easy to be on the other end of the questions, and other things I learned while being interviewed. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Bob: Just a Great Teacher |
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| Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:00 AM |
| What’s the mark of a great teacher? In Bob Siebrecht, it’s a teacher who can see in his students what they cannot see in themselves. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| Field Moms Look to Farms, Not PETA |
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| Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM |
| Another round of conversations with Illinois Farm Families Field Moms reveal our outreach may just be working. PETA will not be happy about this. |
| Category: Consumers |
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| Big City Lessons |
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| Posted on December 13, 2011 at 4:02 PM |
| A trip to Chicago yield more than just a little fun and sightseeing. See what a couple farm kids learned about hard work and delayed gratification. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| To the Farm |
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| Posted on October 19, 2011 at 12:30 PM |
| A Saturday on the farm with eight moms from Chicago? Priceless. |
| Category: Consumers |
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| Hunger Amidst Bounty |
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| Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:23 PM |
| Canadians organize a Harvest for Hunger: 120 combines, 160 acres, 12 minutes. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Ready to Roll |
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| Posted on September 26, 2011 at 12:44 PM |
| Harvest rolls along, amid sun and rain and more. Despite the craziness, my favorite season of the year. |
| Category: Corn |
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| ADAP: Clear as Mud, Part Deux |
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| Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:00 AM |
| Part Two of a series with former Illinois FSA head Bill Graff, as we dissect NCGA's proposed farm program. |
| Category: Policy |
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| ADAP, ACRE, FSA: Clear as Mud? |
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| Posted on September 20, 2011 at 10:47 PM |
| Part One of a series with former Illinois FSA head Bill Graff, as we dissect NCGA's proposed farm program. |
| Category: Policy |
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| Prairie Pictures |
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| Posted on September 08, 2011 at 8:39 AM |
| A barn in a field, a farm on a hill. In Illinois, it's the little things that take us back. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| See You at the Show |
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| Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:36 PM |
| Time for the Farm Progress Show…drop by the Hospitality Tent and say hello! |
| Category: Issues |
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| POTUS |
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| Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:03 AM |
| A whirlwind day amid the White House press corps, the president and a lot of seed corn. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Farm Moms Hit the Road |
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| Posted on August 10, 2011 at 10:11 AM |
| Four farm moms drive north to talk food & farming with Chicago moms. Note to self: it's a long way from a Starbucks on State to the Caseys in Kewanee. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Meeting in the Middle |
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| Posted on August 02, 2011 at 10:07 PM |
| A Chicago legislator and her family travel south for a taste of Fulton County agriculture. And let me tell you, the shop has never been cleaner. |
| Category: Issues |
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| A Will and a Way |
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| Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:57 PM |
| What's it take to get to college? Hard work, if you follow this man's example. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Flashback: 1997 Seed Industry |
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| Posted on July 07, 2011 at 4:00 AM |
| A look back in the files reveals a point in seed history time that feels much longer ago than just 13 years. |
| Category: Corn |
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| Value off the Farm |
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| Posted on July 05, 2011 at 10:30 PM |
| Don't bemoan kids leaving the farm. They're taking good stuff with them. |
| Category: Issues |
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| How We Wound Up On a Billboard |
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| Posted on June 28, 2011 at 10:18 PM |
| One ambitious and forward-thinking county Farm Bureau reaches out to Chicagoland with a family farm message. |
| Category: Issues |
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| Stand Up for 4-H |
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| Posted on June 23, 2011 at 3:46 PM |
| A new CNN blog asks for opinions on 4-H and livestock - and the anti-meat folks are saying a lot of nasty things. Make sure CNN gets your opinion! |
| Category: Issues |
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| It's a New Day |
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| Posted on June 01, 2011 at 4:00 AM |
| New efforts to take the farm to consumers starts with a new blog, a new logo and a new website. And what's this thing called a "Field Mom"? |
| Category: Issues |
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| The Only Peanut Farmer in Illinois |
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| Posted on May 19, 2011 at 4:00 AM |
| With the help of a friend to the south, my six-year-old is growing peanuts. Also, please send 120 days of warm weather. |
| Category: Peanuts |
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| Scrap Direct Payments? |
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| Posted on April 26, 2011 at 10:46 PM |
| Early feedback from readers looks to cut direct payments, simplify crop insurance and help the little guy. |
| Category: Policy |
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| Where Do You Stand? |
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| Posted on April 21, 2011 at 10:02 PM |
| Direct payments, crop insurance, conservation payments and more. |
| Category: Policy |
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| 654 Miles |
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| Posted on April 13, 2011 at 3:00 AM |
| My past 36 hours has seen the following: 654 miles, a dozen ag editors, 378 oz. Diet Pepsi, 23 planters, 3 sprayers, 2 states. Give or take. |
| Category: Farm Family Living |
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| Strength in Numbers |
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| Posted on April 08, 2011 at 3:28 AM |
| Farm leaders do their western Illinois community proud. |
| Category: Issues |
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| What's Natural? |
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| Posted on April 05, 2011 at 5:46 PM |
| Just because something's natural, it doesn't mean it's good for you. |
| Category: Issues |
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| About The Writer |
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Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for the past 13 years, beginning her career with Prairie Farmer even before graduating from college. As associate editor, she brings real-world production agriculture experience to the topics she covers, including a range of production, management and issue-oriented stories. She also shares the trials and tribulations of young farmers through her monthly column, My Generation, and her blog at www.prairiefarmer.com.
Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and cattle on 2,000 acres. Their operation includes 100 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation, plus several Shorthorns for the local show calf market. The family operation includes John’s parents, and their three children, Jenna, Nathan and Caroline.
A member of the American Agricultural Editors Association, Holly was named a Master Writer in 2005 and has received numerous writing and photography awards. She graduated in 1998 from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications, and received the Warren K. Wessels Award for outstanding senior in the College of ACES. She was a founding member of the U of I Ag Communications Alumni Leadership Council, and currently serves on the AAEA Board of Directors. She is also one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the 2011 IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award.
Holly and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations, receiving the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Achievement Award in 2007. As members of their local community church, she and her husband serve in youth and music ministries. |
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