For Sandy Kumbier, the farm is more than land -- it’s a legacy built on hard work, deep roots, and unforgettable moments. Her great-great-grandfather, August Ferdinand Kumbier, purchased the Winnebago County farm in 1875 for $5,000 after immigrating from Germany. Generations later, Sandy recalls riding with her dad to the mill, unloading oats and corn, then sharing a bottle of Coke from the vending machine. These were just small rituals that made lasting memories. The family’s journey has also seen heartbreak. In 1999, Sandy’s nephew Jared was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just one year old. His father, Bob, sold the cows to care for him. Jared passed away the following year, and in his honor, the family hosted “A Day on the Farm,” drawing thousands and raising over $250,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Through joy and grief, the Kumbiers have kept the spirit of the farm, and of Jared, alive for generations.

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