2008 Woodie Awards
Retired veterinarian named Grand Marshall
Zach Heilprin
Issue date: 7/4/07 Section: News
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"The veterinarian from my hometown let me come over and help treat a dairy cow in 1936, and it impressed me so much that I thought to myself 'this is what I want to do,'" Allenstein said.
Allenstein, an Iowa native who has lived in Wisconsin since 1950, is being honored as the Grand Marshall of the Home-Coming parade that will take place during Whitewater's annual Fourth of July celebration. The Iowa State alumnus said he was taken aback by the invitation but happily accepted it.
"I was surprised since I'm not a native of Wisconsin, but I have been here for 57 years, so I guess I'm a transplant that's proven," Allenstein said. "I think it's a great honor for the recognition their giving me."
Allenstein, who started practicing at the Whitewater Animal Hospital in 1950, has been given numerous awards during his career. The most significant came last year.
The National Dairy Shrine, which brings together dairy producers, scientists and educators to maintain the strength of the dairy industry, recognized Allenstein as their "Guest of Honor." which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the business.
"It meant more to me because my other two big awards were given to me by my colleagues, while this one was given by the Dairy Science Organization, which I was only acquainted with because of my work with dairy cattle," Allenstein said.
The U.S. Navy veteran is retired from the animal hospital and his teaching position at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine, but he still stays busy.
The father of three is on the board of directors at Citizens State Bank and occasionally lectures in Madison. Allenstein sold the Whitewater Animal Hospital to his partners but still visits on occasion.
"The other parts of my day are spent here at home enjoying my retirement not doing much at all," Allenstein said.
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