Longtime Staff Members Ennis, McElwain Pass Away

Two longtime serving staff members in National Farmers Organization have passed away. Tim Ennis, 77, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away September 10. Doris McElwain, 88, of Corning Iowa died August 18.

Ennis’s economics degree and farm background qualified him to join his National Farmers in the 70s. He worked for the organization for nearly 40 years.

Tim grew up on a dairy farm near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. As the oldest of 11 children, Tim was responsible for helping with farm chores and milking cows.

After graduating from the University of Chicago he joined National Farmers when it’s headquarters was located in Corning, Iowa. Ennis worked in field services in the 1970s, and later in the grain division as a grain marketer.

Ennis helped start the NForganics program, helping producers maximize their returns. He would later become director of the grain division.

Tim served in leadership roles throughout his life including President of the Adams County, Iowa, Extension Council for 10 years and Chairman of the Adams County Democratic party for more than 30 years.

He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the French Icarian

Society, and a volunteer at the Johnny Carson Birthplace. He was honored to be inducted into the Wisconsin Dells High School Hall of Fame in 2023.

Doris McElwain began working for the National Farmers Organization in 1964 as the Secretary for the 7th District in Minnesota.

In 1969, Doris and her family moved to Corning, Iowa to assume the role of a National Farmers staff executive. McElwain continued her education, receiving her Associate of Arts degree from Southwest Community College in 1986.

She loved the area so much, she stayed and retired from the National Farmers in 2006 at the age of 70.