The WHPA honored Don & Cheryl Thill with the 2025 Pioneer Award on November 8 at the WHPA annual Fall Convention.
Don & Cheryl Thill
Don and Cheryl have been active in the WHPA for decades along with managing a successful, multigenerational beekeeping venture. They were introduced to the industry through their family, working alongside a father and a special aunt, learning the art of beekeeping, how to manage healthy colonies, and how to teach others to do the same. A regular farmers’ market seller, they have been a staple throughout southeastern Wisconsin, providing their honey and products at several farmers’ markets and other retail outlets.
The special aunt who served as a mentor had a high commitment to quality honey and showing honey, and this couple has continued that tradition for many years. Don and Cheryl produce award winning honey, having claimed prizes at the Wisconsin and American Honey Shows on numerous occasions. They managed the Wisconsin Honey Show for many years at the WHPA convention, advocating for everyone to showcase the best honey in the land!
Their service in WHPA extended across many areas. Don spent time on the Board of Managers in a variety of roles, including Southeastern District Chair for over 20 years and various committee chairs together: the Awards Committee, the Honey Show Committee, the Kids and Bees Committee, the State Fair Committee, and the Convention committee. They have been faithful volunteers, providing dedicated service, and showing up and helping however and wherever they can for the betterment of the industry throughout the state.
They have also been active in their local beekeeping association, the Washington-Ozaukee County Beekeepers Association. Through their work locally, they have found guest speakers for meetings and conventions for WHPA and have forged relationships that have helped the organization thrive in their work.
Don and Cheryl are active supporters of the Wisconsin Honey Queen Program, sponsoring local honey queen candidates, teaching them about the industry and different beekeeping operations, and successfully mentoring them, including one who became the American Honey Princess. Don also serves as a Youth Beekeeping Scholar mentor.
They have been faithful volunteers for WHPA’s state fair booth. Not only have they been the suppliers of the famous honey ice cream, including those delicious butter pecan ice cream paddles, but they have supplied other products over the years. They have expended countless hours of service in the booth and with setup and takedown for decades, always to benefit the WHPA and its programs.
They have always been willing to serve and to share their stories, talents, and skills. Their insight has helped shape policies and programs in WHPA and their presence has been part of the backbone of the organization. In addition to their individual contributions, they also have been key to the development of one of WHPA’s past presidents, teaching him the art of beekeeping, helping with his business, and creating a multigenerational passion in their family.
In appreciation for their many years of dedicated service to the beekeeping industry and the WHPA, congratulations Don and Cheryl Thill!
Don and Cheryl Thill and Family
The WHPA Pioneer Award is a “lifetime achievement” award. It is given each year to a member who has shown an unparalleled level of passion and commitment for the WHPA and our industry over the course of their career. The recipient must be a life-long learner and would be someone you would recommend without reservation to mentor a new beekeeper.