Arthur J. Lister Sr. was honored March 23, 2006, with the presentation of a Resolution from the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. The Resolution was presented by Christine White, Michigan Department of Agriculture Racing Commissioner, who worked with Art in various capacities over the years. The Resolution was presented to Art’s wife, Ethel Lister, son, Arthur Lister Jr., and granddaughter, Alison Murphy, at a meeting of the Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Board.

 
From left: Arthur Lister Jr., Alison Murphy,
Ethel Lister, Christine White

Following is the text of the Resolution:

MICHIGAN COMMISSION OF AGRICULTURE RESOLUTION
COMMENDING ARTHUR J. LISTER

Art was born Dec. 6, 1926 in Ludington, to John and Frances Lister. He graduated as the valedictorian of St. Simon High School in 1944. Art married Ethel Peterson on Feb. 28, 1953 at Bethany Lutheran Church and they celebrated 52 years together.

Art enjoyed a lifetime of farming as owner of Lister Orchards, Inc., growing apples, cherries, peaches, pears and plums. He began farming with his dad, and was delighted to have his son, Arthur Lister Jr. join him in the business. Art was active in numerous fruit organizations, and was particularly honored to serve as president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and as President Clinton’s appointee as a state committee member of the Farm Service Agency.

Art embraced new farming innovations, and Lister Orchards was one of the first in the state to use drip irrigation on fruit trees. His great interest in new fruit varieties led to his being one of the first farmers in Michigan to grow cling peaches. Art worked extensively with Michigan State University and received the Distinguished Service Award from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He was also thrilled to have all three children graduate from MSU.

His long-term association with Gerber Baby Food led to Art’s selection as the “Gerber Grandpa” in the commercials they filmed on the farm and other Mason County locations in 2000. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in those commercials, as well as hearing from friends and relatives who saw him on TV.

Art was a lifelong Democrat and served as chairman of the Mason County Democratic Party from 1961 to 1966. He was the Democratic candidate for 98th District State Representative in 1970.

Aside from his lifelong passion for farming, Art was an avid traveler, reader and crossword buff. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

Art and Ethel have two daughters, Janet Murphy of Battle Creek and Dr. Karen Lister (Dr. John Link) of Chesterfield, Mo.; and one son, Art (Sheri) of Ludington; six grandchildren, Alison Murphy, Brian Murphy, John Lister, Joe Lister, Chelsea Lister and Katie Link; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture commends Art for 24 years of outstanding and loyal service to the Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Board and to the people of the great state of Michigan.