Longtime Wisconsin State Farmer and Capital Times agricultural columnist, dairy business leader and journalist John Oncken died on Dec. 2, 2024 in Cosa Mesa, Calif. , at the age of 93.
Oncken was born on Aug. 24, 1931, in rural Westport. After securing a job as an agricultural agent, Oncken settled with his new wife in Clark County.
In 1965, Oncken went to Green Bay to work in public relations, journalism and sales as the Agricultural Director for WFRV-TV. Oncken conducted interviews and prepared major news stories for NBC, and a daily live TV program where he met agricultural giants and broadcasters.
Oncken joined American Breeder Services in 1970 as manager of dairy advertising and public relations. In 1978, Oncken became general manager at the American Dairy Association (ADA) of Wisconsin to promote the state’s dairy promotion organization. Most famously, Oncken was able to convince cyclist Beth Heiden to promote the state’s dairy industry for two years using the slogan “Milk’s the Right Choice.”
Oncken formed Oncken Communications Inc. in 1984 and produced a weekly column that appeared in The Capital Times, Wisconsin State Farmer and other publications for 30 years.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled during the spring of 2025 in Madison; details will be announced at that time.
