Legacy Deere Teeter-Totter

Legacy Deere Teeter-Totter One of John Deere’s biggest supporters over the years was the late Brian Holst. He was a farmer in Scott County, Iowa, and worked at John Deere for over 35 years in various roles. He’s fondly remembered by Deere fans for his work at the now-closed John Deere Collectors Center. After retiring from John Deere, he went on to work at Aumann Auctions. His love of tractors and the people who love tractors made talking with Brian a real pleasure. He passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a wife, Shelly, five children and six grandchildren. He also left another legacy, displayed at the 2026 Gathering of the Green — a John Deere Teeter-Totter tractor he was building for his grandchildren. At the Gathering, they shared the story of this large John Deere creation. Once he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, friends and family helped complete the big tractor toy. Kevin Bos was key in finishing the teeter-totter and had it on display at the Bos Farm Show. The teeter-totter was so large that it was deemed too big for a yard. Brian and Shelly then donated it to Classic Green for a youth fundraiser. Since then, it’s made several appearances, and the current owner donated it back to be auctioned off at the Gathering so it can find a new home and make a difference elsewhere. The funds from the big toy will go to the “Brian Holst Memorial Fund.” At the Gathering, the sign by the Teeter-Totter tractor read, “Brian was passionate about getting youth involved in tractor restoration, collecting and farming. This teeter-totter helps to fund his legacy and reach the youth that this hobby desperately needs in order to continue growing and thriving.”

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