Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance – Bill Noethlich, Doland

From the years playing 9-man football for Doland High School, to playing four years as a starter for Southwest Minnesota State University to making it to the last round of cuts for the Minnesota Vikings, football has played a large role in Bill Noethlich’s life.

“Football taught me about discipline in the face of adversity, building relationships and leading as the team captain of my college team – but more than anything, football showed me that nothing is impossible in this world,” explained Noethlich. “I came from a small school, playing 9-man, graduated with 12 kids and had the opportunity to compete and beat out some guys who played in the Big 12 and Pac-10.”

Ever connected to his smalltown roots, a few years after hanging up his cleats, Noethlich left his career in the Twin Cities to return to Doland to farm with his uncles, Louie and Dwight.

“I really loved it. They taught me how to do everything and I fell in love with agriculture,” Noethlich said.

About this same time, he fell in love with and married Samantha Swanda. Ten years ago, the couple welcomed their son, Owen. Two years later they welcomed Claire, two years later Elsie, two years later Maeve and this May they will welcome their fifth.

“Being a parent teaches you a lot. It changes your perspective on life – I look at everything different today,” Noethlich said.

With their expanding family, Noethlich began looking for a way to stay connected to the agriculture industry he loved but have a bit more time at home to help out than farmwork allowed.

This led him to Farmers Union Insurance. “I enjoy building relationships and working with farm families to help them protect what is providing them their livelihood,” Noethlich said. “I see this as a way to continue helping on more than my uncles’ farm.”

Along with giving him the flexibility to help get the kids on the school bus in the morning, Noethlich’s insurance schedule also allows him to help transport his kids to football, basketball and softball practice.