It's a common misconception that the machines are what make machinery sales when really, it's the people that make this the great industry that it is. We are here to work with and serve one another; the machines are just part of the means to that end.
So, we come to say with deep sadness that we recently lost one of our people with the passing of fellow machinery dealer Terry Yoder of Yoder Machinery, longtime business associate of Wheeler Machinery Sales but even more importantly, longtime friend of Dan Wheeler. But even this distinction does not do justice to Terry and the impact that he had on those who knew him.
Dan knew Terry for 30 years, having met him when he was 22 years old, both of them part of family-owned machinery sales operations. Their friendship deepened over the years, moving from one based on business and the Machinery Dealers National Association to one built on kindness, support, and trusting God.
Dan and Gina Wheeler returned last week from Terry's funeral, where Dan gave a eulogy for Terry to the large attendance of family and friends gathered. Dan told some personal stories about Terry, stories about ice-cream and idiosyncrasies, mentorship and marriage, trivia games and MDNA scholarship trusts – all of which highlighted Terry's heart and humour. He also described the years-long text message thread between their group of friends which brought Dan much needed laughter and encouragement as he himself underwent chemo then regained his physical and spiritual strength in the aftermath.
Dan said that "To say that our good friend Terry Yoder is going to be missed is an understatement. Men like Terry are irreplaceable. They are once in a lifetime. They are legends. His kind and generous spirt cannot be replaced. I remember Terry telling me fifteen years ago. "Brother, it's your turn. I said, ' What do you mean?' He said "it's your turn to be generous. You are doing well, you have been successful, time to be a giver." Turns out to be one of the most important things a friend has ever told me."
It's hard to read about Terry's life and not think 'this is what it means to live - this is the legacy that I want to leave'. We at Wheeler Machinery Sales say upward and onward, Terry, thank you for everything you gave. Thank you for being one of 'our people'.
We will end as Dan ended in his remarks for Terry - "I am forever grateful that God placed you, Erika and your family in my life. The Yoders have been a great example to my family on how to do it right. God bless you my friend until I see you again."
