Maury Kaercher, Former County Extension Director, Dies at 81
Published: Friday, February 20, 2026
Former St. Joseph County (Mich.) Extension Director and former Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. President Maurice J. "Maury" Kaercher died Feb. 10 at his home. He was 81.
Kaercher started his career with MSU Extension in 1984 as a Kalamazoo County agriculture Extension agent. In 2003, he transitioned to an area livestock agent covering five counties in Southwest Michigan. Kaercher became MSU Extension director for St. Joseph County in 2006. He retired as MSU Extension director and livestock agent for St. Joseph County after 28 years of service.
During his career with Extension, Kaercher was responsible for many important accomplishments and initiatives benefiting Michigan's agriculture community. He was instrumental in creating the "Miracle of Birth" exhibits at both the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph County fairs. This popular exhibition helps connect and educate the public on agriculture's role in food production.
Kaercher was responsible for bringing Annie's Project to Michigan, an initiative focused on empowering women in agriculture and farm management. He also initiated the first grazing program in Southwest Michigan and organized Salute to the American Farmer Day for the St. Joseph County Fair.
Upon retiring from MSU Extension, Kaercher became executive director of the Michigan Sheep Producers Assn. from 2011-2020 and made many contributions to the genesis and success of the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture.
Kaercher earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the MSU Extension Distinguished Service Award, St. Joseph County and Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Awards, the MSU Extension Citation Award and the St. Joseph County 4-H Above and Beyond Award.
In 2021, Kaercher received the Service to the Industry Award from the Michigan Sheep Producers Assn.
Kaercher was an active board member of the Michigan Cattleman's Assn. for over 25 years. He served as president from 1999-2000 and was named member of the year in 2002. As an MCA member and Extension educator, Kaercher played a major role in starting the first graded/vaccinated, verified feeder calf sale in Michigan. He also served on the International Marketing Committee for the National Cattlemen's Beef Assn. In 2023, he was instrumental in organizing a reunion for MSU animal livestock judging teams.
Kaercher actively served on the Kalamazoo Veterans Service Affairs committee to help create opportunities for fellow veterans in his community.
He was born Dec. 20, 1944 in Kalamazoo and grew up on a small family farm. After graduating high school, he joined the MSU AgTech program, completing the two-year program in 1965 with a specialization in livestock. He then spent five years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he came back to MSU and completed his bachelor's degree in animal science.
During his time in the MSU animal science program, he was active in the Block and Bridle Club, Meats Judging and Livestock Judging Teams. After graduating from MSU, he taught vocational agriculture at Centreville High School. He later served as farm manager at St. Gregory's Abby in Three Rivers.
After returning to his family farm in Kalamazoo, he established and managed a cow/calf operation that grew to about 60 head.
He and his wife Nancy, who survives, were married for over 59 years.
Also surviving two sons, Todd and Kevin; two grandchildren; and a sister, Janet Denison.
Preceding him in death was a sister, Doris Olsen.
Visitation will take place on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Home in Kalamazoo. A luncheon will follow the service.
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