In spring of 2002 – after soil testing on their newly-purchased land outside of Niagara off Hwy 8 proved to be ideal for growing fruit – Hal planted around 180 little trees on the orchard property. The following winter of 2002 was one of the harshest on record; estimates had the freeze as going over 6 feet down into the ground that winter. Having an orchard so far north in Wisconsin and near the Upper Peninsula was already a big gamble, with the climate being even more unpredictable than just 2-4 hours to the south where many Wisconsin orchards are located. But planting delicate trees right before such a cruel season (unbeknownst to anyone, of course, that fall when planting took place) was definitely a huge risk. Spring 2003 would reveal the truth: Did the trees survive or had they all died from the cold? To Hal and Carol’s surprise and delight, all the trees survived! Hal then proposed his now-famous question to Carol we mentioned earlier. With that, he would get his orchard and she would get her bakery. The die was cast and it was time to move forward. Let the construction begin! Every year after that – for about 5 years – they planted more and more apple trees. As of 2019, the orchard now was home to over 2,300 dwarf trees representing 24 cultivars (varieties) with many favorites including Zestar, GingerGold, Macintosh, Wealthy, Dandee Red, Jonamac, Cortland, Snowsweet, and of course, HoneyCrisp. Along with the apple trees they would plant currants, blueberries, raspberries, and more fruit trees: apricot, plum and cherry. (Unfortunately, due to nature (the birds) and disease, the cherry trees would come out in 2016.)

Meanwhile, as the orchard was growing Carol’s bakery was taking shape. The original bakery went up in 2005 with a small commercial kitchen, public restroom, and retail shop. Behind the bakery was attached an apple processing facility and commercial apple cooler. Over the years the facilities grew to include equipment storage, a small play area for children, and a covered shelter with picnic tables for folks to sit and enjoy nature—and the bakery’s delicious homemade treats!—while visiting the orchard. In 2019 a 500-square foot expansion was put on to the kitchen only.

The “Biblical Job Year”: No Apples and Carol’s Illness

In 2010, Hal and Carol were faced very unexpectedly with two curveballs neither could have seen coming. The first, a freeze during bloom damaged the prospect of fruit on the trees. The second, a leukemia diagnosis for Carol. Because of the blossoms freezing in spring there were hardly any apples to harvest that fall; as compared to a normal crop year, there was only 15% (yes, just that little amount!) to fill the apple bins! While the business felt immense pressure from that challenge, it was the family that would face the greatest tribulation. Within a matter of just a few days that spring, Carol went from feeling completely fine to being in a coma near death; all the family could do was pray. And thankfully by the mercy of our Lord their prayers were answered! Carol spent nearly 70 days in the hospital, but miraculously made a full recovery with no trace of the cancer to be seen by her oncologist since! (To read the full story of Carol’s miraculous victory over leukemia, check out on our blog the heartfelt testimonial written by Hal as he walked alongside her in faith on the journey.)

The Future: The Growth Continues

2022 will mark 20 years for the orchard, and Hal and Carol intend to continue the fruits of their labors while the Lord provides. You can chat with and see them working at (and savoring the pleasures of) the orchard and bakery when you come visit or patronize their tent at the Iron Mountain Outdoor Farmers Market (June-October).

Meet the Wentzels