Mennenga Auction Tradition Still Thriving

Upon pulling up to the house and getting out of the car, I immediately notice Bud motioning to me, through the window, to come inside. His “live-in” Marlene (as Bud jokingly referred to her), greets me at the door, and directs me to the dining room table. This is symbolic as Marlene has been helping direct traffic for her husband Bud and the Mennenga Auction for more than 50 years.

     This year was especially difficult as both Bud and Marlene were hit hard with COVID. They spent 16 days in Hampton getting help, then received their shots, and are now back in action. And like clock-work, the Mennenga Auction took place again last Saturday, April 10.

     “Despite the dark and gloomy day, we had roughly 800 bidding numbers given out,” says Bud.

     The auction began at 9:00 a.m. and went on through the afternoon. Some of the items sold included tractors, trees, machinery, boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, a peacock, rabbits, chickens, goats, and even alpacas. There were five different auction stations throughout the property which provided quite the variety for bidders.

     “It takes a lot of help to get the machinery brought in. It’s not just a one-day deal,” Bud says, while Marlene nods her head in agreement.

     In addition to the consignment, the auction brings in great food to enjoy throughout the event. This year, the Butler County Pork Producers were very busy serving burgers the entire day. And although the day was a little cold and windy, that did not stop people from partaking in ice cream and malts provided by the dairy promoters. The hospitality aspect of the auction is what has been most delightful over the years.

     “I’ve been doing this a long time,” adds Bud. “I have a lot of old friends and memories. Working with the people and getting acquainted with new people has been great.”

     Bud mentions Al Freerks as someone who has helped out for over 40 years. The bonds formed through working with people for so long is something that cannot be overstated. It seemed clear that Bud wanted to thank so many people but that list would probably fill up a whole newspaper by itself. He mentions his kids and in-laws (Dale and Pat, Barb and Rick, Calvin and Linda), his wife Marlene who has taken thousands of phone calls throughout the years, all the consigners, and everybody who has contributed to the auction in some way.   

     Bud’s son Calvin has been instrumental in keeping the auction going and he has been lucky to learn the trade through Bud for all these years. Bud started out in auctions by working at the Waverly and Aplington sales. He noticed the property west of Clarksville and thought that would be a great place for an auction. Well, after over 50 years, it’s safe to say that Bud was right in that assumption.

     “I have no other hobbies,” Bud says glancing over at his wife. “My one hobby is my work in auctions.”

     Bud is turning 90 years old this September and he is happy to note that his grandson, Justin Kuper, is also following in his footsteps by being involved in the auction business.