1935
Ray & Mabel Bohonek move from Lake Mills, Iowa
May 1st Ray uses traditional Czechoslovakian sausage & bologna recipes.
Their son Milford is born above the shop in 1936.
OUR HERITAGE OF QUALITY.
1940s-1950s
Thriving in the Community
Conger Meat Market thrives as a small-town butcher shop, serving the rural community.
Ray continues to run the business with Mabel while raising their family.
1960s
A New Chapter of Leadership
After Mabel passes away, son Milford Bohonek (a U.S. Army veteran) and his wife Beverly take over operations.
1970s-1980s
Award-Winning Growth
The market becomes known for its award winning sausages.
Their daughter Patty and her husband Dave Larson join to help grow the family business.
1990s–2000s
Upholding Quality Meats
After another decade of hard work, Dave & Patty Larson take over in 2000 keeping the family tradition alive and upholding the market’s reputation for quality meats.
2004
Stepping into the Future
Jeremy & Darcy Johnson purchase Conger Meat Market, beginning a new era of modernization.
2015
Growing Beyond the Butcher Shop
The Johnsons buy the former Conger Creamery building and renovate it.
2017
USDA Certified
Grand opening of the new USDA Certified facility, doubling production capacity and ensuring compliance with federal standards.
2019
Minnesota Woman Owned Small Business of the Year
Darcy Johnson named Minnesota Woman Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Recognized for rural job creation and keeping small-town butchery alive while many others closed.
2023-2024
Investing in Innovation
Major expansion adds 3,600 sq ft for cooler, freezer, storage, and processing.
Investment in advanced vacuum-packaging equipment (nicknamed “the Ferrari”) to extend shelf life and improve efficiency.
2024
Jerky, Lunch Meats, & More
Launch of private-label production for jerky, lunch meats, and more! Plans for branded products to reach convenience stores & retail shelves.
2025
Looking Forward
Jeremy & Darcy ensure that Conger Meat Market’s legacy will continue by partnering with Troy & Amanda Kopischke, who grew up nearby, to expand and bring the artisan butcher shop products and experience to a larger audience.