Marshfield Airport: A Legacy of Flight, Family, and Community

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
The Marshfield Municipal Airport has long been more than a hub for air travel—it’s a place where generations have taken flight, both literally and figuratively. Recently, Mayor Lois TeStrake sat down with airport manager Jeff Gaier on her program Coffee with the Mayor to talk about the airport’s history, its role in the community, and the Gaier family’s deep roots in aviation.

A Family Tradition in Aviation
The Gaier family first came to Marshfield Airport in 1986, when Jeff’s parents took over as managers and fixed-based operators. Since then, they have overseen operations, provided flight instruction, offered fuel services, and managed hangar rentals. Aviation runs deep in the Gaier bloodline—Jeff, his siblings, and even the next generation have earned pilot and drone licenses. His father, who began flying in 1959, went on to receive the Wright Brothers Award for 50 years in aviation and was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.

Growing Opportunities and Facilities
Today, Marshfield Airport boasts multiple private and corporate hangars, with a new one currently under construction. Flight training remains a cornerstone of operations, offering students as young as 12 a chance to begin their aviation journeys, with licenses available at 17. Many graduates have gone on to fly commercially, join the military, or simply pursue aviation as a passion.

Beyond training, the airport plays a critical role in public service. From accommodating LifeLink helicopters to handling urgent organ donation flights, the facility has proven vital in life-saving efforts. “It happens anytime, day or night,” Jeff explained, noting the precision and urgency required to ensure organs reach recipients in time.

Looking Ahead: Technology and Community Events
Jeff also highlighted how drone technology and the development of electric aircraft are shaping the future of aviation. The airport may one day host charging stations for electric planes as these innovations gain traction.

Community connection remains strong as well. The airport regularly hosts events like the Flying Hamburger Social, which draws aircraft and aviation enthusiasts from across the state. This October, residents can look forward to military exercises at the airport, conducted in partnership with the Wisconsin National Guard.

More Than Just an Airport
Though Jeff commutes daily from Neillsville, he and his family remain invested in Marshfield, both professionally and personally. His wife recently began working as a postal carrier in the city, and their home is filled with a lively pack of dogs—many rescues—that sometimes accompany him to the airport.

For Jeff, running the airport isn’t just a career; it’s a continuation of his family’s legacy. “I’m glad to carry on the tradition with my parents,” he said. “My brother Bob helps me out immensely, and together we keep the airport moving forward.”

​As Marshfield looks to the skies, the Gaier family and their team ensure the airport remains a cornerstone of safety, education, and community spirit.

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