Audubon County 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees 2002-2022
Brian and Molly Klocke (2022)
Brian and Molly Klocke were both active on their family farms as children, and they have remained dedicated to the agriculture industry. They are the owners of Klocke Ag, a family-owned century farm located in northern Audubon County.
Brian and Molly are active volunteers in the Audubon community. Molly steps in and says "yes" wherever she is needed and as a result, has served as a 4-H volunteer club leader, Clover Commission (youth committee) member, and the 4-H food stand superintendent in Audubon County. Brian is quick to offer up his equipment, time, and a helping hand whenever there is a project happening at the fairgrounds. From providing emergency water when the water main broke, to painting horse barns and hauling sand for the rodeo, Brian is willing to volunteer. Their favorite part of getting involved with the 4-H program was the early mornings of the county fair. They would watch the children roll onto the fairgrounds to chore their livestock and prepare for their shows. It was in these hours they saw our youth actively learn that when you dedicate your head, heart, hands, and health to something larger, great things come to fruition. Brian and Molly are no strangers to dedication themselves; their reach into the community goes far beyond the4-H program.
The Klockes do many things behind the scenes for the Audubon Community. Together Brian and Molly have been involved in the Sports Boosters, After Prom, and welcoming a foreign exchange student into their family and the community. Molly and Brian also volunteer at the Rose Theater and the Audubon County Farm Bureau. Molly is also a member of Audubon's 100 Women Who Care group.
Brian and Molly have invested heavily in bettering our community; however, their most passionate endeavor has been raising six active children and spending quality time with their seven grandchildren. The Klockes truly embodies the quote, "When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence."
Julie McVay (2021)
Julie has called Audubon County "home" nearly her entire life. Her passion for "making the best better" shows in her involvement in the lives of young people in our county.
Julie began her 4-H career as a nine year member of the Cameron Homemakers 4-H Club in Audubon County. Throughout her membership she enjoyed showing cattle and exhibiting a variety of static projects.
When her own children were old enough to join the program, she decided to start a new club. Pulling inspiration from her years in the Cameron Homemakers, she named the club Cameron Stars. About ten years ago, the club combined with the club of a long-time friend. They creatively used parts of both club names to make C.D. Starlighters, and she celebrated 15 years as an organizational club leader in 2019.
During her 17 years of 4-H leadership she has worn many different hats including: county fair superintendent of clothing events, communication, and pet/dog projects. Julie is willing to help with all ages and all project areas. If a question has an answer she does not yet know, she is quick to reach out and get the information needed. She encourages her club members to dive into many different projects and think outside the box.
She is a dependable volunteer for service projects and fundraisers. In 2020, she added participation on Audubon County's 4-H adult/youth committee as well. Julie is also well rounded in her ISU Extension and Outreach participation. Julie was elected to the Audubon County Extension Council where she served ten years and is currently an active local Master Gardener volunteer.
Jeanne and Bruce Nelson (2019)
 
Jeanne and the late Bruce Nelson, lifelong Audubon County residents, raised their five Jeanne and Bruce Nelsonchildren as active 4-H members. Bruce lived on a farm southwest of Hamlin where his family milked cows and later raised hogs. After Bruce and Jeanne were married they lived near Elk Horn where Bruce worked for a farmer. Bruce and Jeanne began helping Jeanne's parents, Merlin and Phyllis Miller, working on their dairy farm milking around 50 cows. Bruce and Jeanne then moved to Jeanne's family farm where their children grew up. They continued in the milking business until 2000 when they sold all the dairy cows and Bruce started his own cow/calf herd. Jeanne continues to live on the farm and with the help of her children she continues with the herd Bruce started several years ago.
Jeanne served as a club leader of the Douglas Delighters 4-H club for six years and Bruce was actively involved on the fair committee of the Dairy Cow project while their kids were involved in the program. Since they milked cows that was the perfect opportunity for the kids to have a project to exhibit at the fair.
Four of their grandchildren have recently finished as 9-year Audubon County 4-H members and another five are currently enrolled. Bruce and Jeanne help them in their 4-H careers by allowing them to use their livestock to exhibit or providing materials from the farm that would be needed to develop fair exhibits. They have also helped a few "extra" kids have exhibits at the fair allowing them to show one of their feeder calves or giving them positive encouragement if they need help on a static project or their garden plot.
Jeanne's talents in the kitchen have served her well as she owned and operated a tearoom and catering business. She supplies cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy to benefit the county 4-H program! She also shares her love of plants and flowers keeping up small gardens around the county fairgrounds and mentoring her grandchildren as they exhibit their garden plots.
They have always instilled in their children and grandchildren that it is not about winning the big prize at the fair, it's more about giving your best and enjoying what you are doing and if you can help someone along the way that is what you should do. It was also important to teach the kids that it's important to have a livestock project you can be responsible for and in the end make some money on the project. They truly enjoy seeing the smile on the kids' face when they have been successful in whatever they have accomplished.
Wayne Hansen (2018)
4-H and livestock have been important in Wayne Hansen's life for a long time. Wayne was a member of the Sharon Sharp Shooters 4-H club in Audubon County and enjoyed raising and showing pigs and cattle. He used the money from the sale of a pig to buy his first bicycle. Wayne started going to livestock auctions with his father, Verner, when he was around 10 years old, and later became an auctioneer himself.
When Wayne's own kids, Aaron, Kristin and Jared, were age eligible for 4-H, he founded the Sharon Shamrocks 4-H club to help make Audubon County 4-H more accessible to kids and families in the Kimballton area and the Elk Horn-Kimballton school district. During his years as a leader, he was actively involved in the swine show, and served as swine superintendent for several years.
He gave extra effort to help kids with interest in livestock. He sometimes offered kids whose families didn't have the right facilities or lived in town a place to keep their animals, and many times helped kids at weigh-in days and preparing for shows. Wayne wanted every kid to have the opportunity to learn about livestock.
Wayne has been active for many years as the auctioneer for the 4-H livestock sale at the Audubon County Fair, always showing his strong support for the 4-H members selling their livestock. He also volunteers his support by auctioneering at many fundraising auctions, including the Audubon County Cattlemen and Pork Producer trophy auctions, to raise money for the county fair.
Thank you Wayne Hansen, for all you have done for Audubon County 4-H.
Greg Jensen (2016)
Greg became a Greely Tip Top member in 1963. During his experience in 4-H and FFA Greg knew for sure that agriculture, and especially, livestock would be important in his life. One great memory was in '63 when his Herefords, Ruff and Reddy, earned a blue ribbon at the Audubon County Fair. During Greg's years in 4-H he served as an officer and was active in attending meetings. He has fond memories of his club and the fun times all enjoyed.
The Audubon County Fair has been an important part of Greg's daughters' lives also. He was always there to encourage and guide Katie and Molly with their livestock projects. He took into account their safety and wellbeing, which led to leaving a calf home one summer. It was probably more disappointing for Greg than for the owner of that stubborn calf.
In 1981, Greg became a member of the Audubon County Fair Board. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the older members. Working hard was just part of the deal, and he gave his time and efforts. He learned quickly there is always something to be done at the fair - he is willing to do the hard work to keep things going. Over the years, Greg has served as vice-president and is currently president of the board. He was instrumental in planning, fundraising, and helping where needed in the construction of the Livestock Pavilion. This year he spearheaded the new concession stand and restrooms located near the Livestock Pavilion.
The fair board is a team that needs to work together. Over the years they have accomplished a great deal and the fairgrounds is looking better every year. Greg would truly like to see more young people get involved. The fair is a proud tradition that should continue far into the future. The 4-H program continues to help our young people become the best possible members of society. The county fair is a showcase of their hard work.
Virgil Sorensen (2015)
 
Virgil Sorensen has been a longtime supporter of the Audubon County 4-H Program.
His 4-H career began in 1952 when he joined the Hamlin Ribbon Winners 4-H Club and exhibited Brown Swiss Dairy Cattle at the fair. He also participated in plowing contests and many other activities through 4-H.
Virgil's passion for 4-H continued as an adult, as he volunteered on the sheep committee for over 25 years.
Virgil Sorensen receiving award [Above right].
Virgil has always been willing to lend a helping hand at the county fair and beyond.
Ed Ahrendsen (2014)
Ed Ahrendsen is a longtime supporter of 4-H, the Audubon County Fair, and the Iowa State Fair. He started his 4-H career in 1938 as a member of the Leaping Leaders.
Throughout his 4-H career he helped with many club and county projects, and served on several committees for the Audubon County Achievement Day. In 1942, he was one of several who rented a box car and shared it with 4-H'ers from Carroll and Crawford Counties to haul their calves and exhibits to the Iowa State Fair. He received many Champion and Reserve champion beef placing's at the county fair, Iowa State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben.
Because of his passion for 4-H and the Audubon County Fair, he also became a leader of the Fiscus Future Feeders and helped his children and many other 4-Hers reach their goals within the 4-H program.
In 1970, he was elected to the Audubon County Fair Board and was the secretary for 34 years. He was a dedicated advocate for 4-H and the Audubon County Fair. Several hours of his time were invested serving on the 4-H Youth Council and spearheading the drive to build the Agri-Hall in 1979. He was instrumental in bringing the Bill Riley Talent show to the fair.
In 1981 he was elected to the Iowa State Board where he acted for many years as the liaison to the open class Foods Department and is considered by many to be the "Official Ice Cream Taster of the Fair".
Throughout his years of dedication and commitment, he received many honors for his achievements. These included Fairman of the year, Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductee, Hall of Fame award from Associations of Iowa Fairs, Support and Loyalty from IMCA Racing, and now the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. It takes a person who has passion and involvement to be recognized for their efforts.
Dennis Grimm (2013)
The 2013 Hall of Fame recipient is Dennis Grimm of Manning. He has been a longtime advocate for 4-H, FFA and the Audubon County Fair. Graduating high school in 1959 and marrying the love of his life, Sharon, in 1963, this Hall of Fame recipient began farming, raising hogs and milking cows with his father-in-law west of Gray. He and Sharon raised three boys and supported them throughout their 4-H activities. The 4-H family tradition has been passed on as he currently encourages his grandchildren with their beef, swine, and static exhibits.
Denny's support for 4-H goes back to 1975 when he began leading the Leroy Leaders 4-H club. He was a very dedicated leader for 12 years helping clip calves for members and supporting his sons with their various trips to the Iowa Beef Expo, Iowa State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben. He has also served as the beef superintendent for the Audubon County Fair. With his passion for 4-H and the Audubon County Fair, Denny has served on the Audubon County Fair Board over 30 years and is currently serving as treasurer. As a fair board member, he helped line up Figure 8 cars, been instrumental in the most recent livestock pavilion project, contacted fair donors, ordered ribbons and trophies and made sure all of the premiums are paid. He has been a hard worker and has been known to "walk tall and carry a big hammer."
Denny has also been very active in his community. He was a long time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and a long time member on the Gray Fire Department. Currently, he is the treasurer of the Audubon FFA Alumni. He also drove school bus for Audubon Community Schools for over 20 years.
Denny truly embraced the 4-H's using his Head, Heart, Hands, and Health throughout his life supporting the Audubon County 4-H program and the youth involved
Dianna Peterson (2012)
As told by her daughter:
For as long as I can remember, Dianna has been a huge part of Audubon County 4-H. She was a member of the Cameron Future Homemakers. It was very important to her that I become part of the 4-H family, also. At this time, our group was the Lucky Lincolns. She always volunteered to help supporting me in every step of my 4-H journey and soon was a club leader.
She thoroughly enjoyed being "hands on" and involved with club projects, judging at the fair and pushing us to go above and beyond. She always encouraged her girls to sign up for extra activities during fair like Decorator's Showcase, Fashion Designers Showcase, etc. as we should be doing something constructive with our time while on the fairgrounds!
Over the years, Dianna's main focus was to teach skills that would last a lifetime. She taught us goal setting and follow through were a large part of life, not just to be put on a piece of paper for our 4-H record books. We didn't just go on field trips and visit places but we also got our hands dirty and learned about processes and why things are the way they are. We learned how to do things for ourselves and to use knowledge to help others.
She also focused on community service.the Lucky Lincolns 4-H club wasn't just a club that met once a month, but a club people knew, respected and trusted. Some of our community service projects included monthly senior meals for the over 60 crowd around, playground clean-up for the Gray Community Betterment Corp. and visiting the residents of our local nursing home. For years, the club had a team for Relay for Life supporting the American Cancer Society. One of the biggest projects was the undertaking of clean-up and beautification of 3 of our local rural cemeteries. It was quite the extended project receiving much publicity, pride and thanks from the community.
Dianna made an incredible impact on dozens of young girls. She also made an incredible impact on Audubon County 4-H in general. She saw many girls succeed in their 4-H careers and in life after graduation. She was always proud of us as individuals and as a club. She encouraged, assisted, taught, disciplined and loved each of us. She was like a mother to every girl and still continues to be in contact with many of them. The Lucky Lincolns wouldn't have been such a strong force if it hadn't been for her. We were all truly "Lucky"!
Chris Jensen (2011)
Chris Jensen was never a 4-H'er as a youth, but has been a longtime supporter of both 4-H and ISU Extension. She truly believes in the 4-H motto "To make the best, better", and has demonstrated that over the past 20 years.
She lived the 4-H experience through her daughters but was also active as a leader and volunteer. From Discovery 4-H, to the Bill Riley Talent show, 4-H style show, ultimately leading the Audubon Peppy Pals from 1998 until 2003, she taught 4-H'ers the importance of being of service in one's community. And boy, did she teach by showing! Not only did she teach in the community, she taught in the schools and has been a strong advocate for 4-H to her 4th grade classes!
For as long as she has been involved, Chris has been a staple at the Audubon County Fair. Chris is always around to help fill any gap that needs help! You can find Chris working at the figure 8 races, in the fair board office, at the big wheel races, handing out ribbons, and helping run the rides, just to name a few. Chris has always played a major part in the behind the scenes parts of fair as well, making sure that everything is up and running, ready for the next day.
Not only is Chris a vital part of the 4-H program, but she is a volunteer in her community as well. Chris has taken a troupe of junior high and high school students to the Iowa Summit for Volunteerism, and helped develop the youth volunteer organization Audubon County Teens Volunteer. She works with Character Counts, is an active member of the Exira Lutheran Church, and is an officer of PEO chapter BJ. She is willing to help plant flowers, just about anywhere!
Chris truly displays her 4 "H"'s everywhere she goes and has been and continues to be a strong advocate for the 4-H program.
Mary Ottmar (2010)
She was also able to participate in IFYE, which is the Iowa Farm Youth Exchange Student program and was able to spend time in the Netherlands because of it. Mary Ottmar was a 4-H'er in Cass County, involved in a variety of activities and projects. She participated in the IFYE (International Farm Youth Exchange) program to the Netherlands.
Mary began her professional Extension career in 1972 as the Cass County Extension 4-H and Youth Leader for 20 years. In 1992, Mary returned to school and worked on her master's of adult and Extension education at Iowa State University. She was then hired as a youth specialist for Johnson and Cedar counties in eastern Iowa. She held that position until coming to Audubon County in May of 1997 as the County Extension Education Director.
During her time in Audubon county Mary was heavily involved in bettering the
4-H program, restarting Youth Council, starting a 4-H recognition night during county fair. While Mary was in Audubon County, a new swine barn was built and many 4-Her's were helped to reach their goals. Mary has a close relationship with the fair board, as well as the city of Audubon. The John James Audubon and streetscape project is one Mary worked on diligently.
She also has participated in fun activities like power pedal pull, dunk tank, and outhouse races. Mary currently is superintendent of the 4-H Personal Development department at the Iowa State Fair.
Gary VanAernam (2009)
Gary VanAernam has always enjoyed working with 4-H youth and is a firm believer in what 4-H can do for an individual. He has fallen in love with county fairs and has taken his 4-H experience way beyond the county level.
For almost 30 years, he has served on the Audubon County Fairboard and is currently the secretary/manger of that board.
Throughout the years, Gary has never hesitated with helping a 4-Her with a question or concern or even just strike up a random conversation about their project.
He has served on the Southwest Iowa Association Fairboard serving as Secretary and President during that tenure. He makes an effort to attend all of the 17 county fairs in the Southwest District every summer.
Through his experience at the district level, he decided to further his reach and got elected to the Iowa State Fairboard in 2002 where he is currently serving as President. On that board he has served as fairboard liason for the Youth Inn, 4-H swine, sheep, and small animals.
Cheryl Hansen (2008)
Cheryl was a long-time 4-H member in Audubon County and has continued her involvement as an adult. Both her children were active in 4-H. Cheryl has been a 4-H leader for 15 years and currently serves on the county youth committee. She coordinates the communications contest at county fair and has judged this department in many surrounding counties.
As a Master Gardener, Cheryl coordinated youth and adult volunteers to landscape a flower garden at the Extension Office, a garden on the fairgrounds, and encouraged youth to plant their own plot at the fairgrounds. She is an adult mentor and organized Mentoring Matches to plant a berm at the entrance of the fair.
To help defray program development fees, Cheryl spearheaded fund-raising efforts to collect, organize and print recipes in a county 4-H cookbook, started the annual soup supper and developed a barn quilt project. She organized youth and adults in designing, painting, and selling these wooden quilts. Many were used as fair exhibits and displayed at the fairgrounds. This year she is organizing a silent auction to raise funds, and has her club restoring an abandoned township cemetery.
In addition, Cheryl works with older 4-H'ers to plan overnight camp-outs, Halloween Hikes, trips to Adventureland, county sewing workshops, and so much more.
Gale VanAernam (2007)
Gale exhibits a tireless commitment to 4-H. Whether he's nose-printing a calf, contacting auctioneers, hooking up the PA system, moving bleachers, setting up gates, lining up sheep, working with superintendents on show orders, meeting with leaders on rule changes, discussing ways to update livestock classes, or consoling a 4-H'er who just got a red ribbon, Gale is an ever-present positive figure in the Audubon County 4-H program. He is never too big to do the small jobs or too small to tackle the big jobs; and throughout each task, he continues to keep the focus on youth development.
- 9 Year member of Audubon Blue Birds 4-H Club.
- Served as County Fair Livestock Superintendent for over 20 years.
- Serves as County Fair Sale Superintendent.
- Served as 4-H Leader of Greeley Tip Tops and on County Youth Committee.
- Had three children in 4-H and now has grandchild involved.
Sandy Kristensen (2006)
Sandy Kristensen truly lives the 4-H Motto "To Make the Best Better". As a ten year old girl who wanted to show cattle, she had to belong to a 'boys' club. Before you could belong to a boys club, you had to belong to a girls club; and since there was not a girls club in her township, she started the Clay Cloverettes. While attending Northwest Missouri State University, she continued to help with county fair and one year filled in as home economist, when that position was vacant. Sandy has judged Family and Consumer Science exhibits in all counties west of Des Moines and south of Ft. Dodge and several times at the Iowa State Fair. She started Charming Clovers 4-H Club when several girls in Audubon wanted to be in 4-H, but not show animals. She continues to support 4-H and volunteer whenever asked.
- Started Clay Cloverettes 4-H Club in 1956 in Shelby County, because she had to belong to a 'girls' club in order to show livestock in a 'boys' club. Showed beef at Ak-Sar-Ben.
- Worked at Shelby County Fair during 4 years in college; one summer served as volunteer Home Economist when that position was open during county fair.
- Served as leader in Brown County, Kansas and judged Kansas county fairs.
- Started Charming Clovers 4-H Club in mid 80's in Audubon County.
- Judged county fairs since 1972 in all counties from Des Moines west and from Ft Dodge south.
- Judged at state fair many times.
- Served on county youth development committees and families extension committee.
Lucille Wiges (2004)
Lucille Wiges, a life-long Audubon County resident, received the 1996 Audubon County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture award. Wiges was also presented the Governors Volunteer Award by Governor Vilsack in 2003.
Community service has kept Wiges busy her entire life, whether it be with church, area youth or wherever the community has needed her. Her list of community activities include: service to her church, 4-H leader of the Hamlin Cheer Ups, Superintendent of the Food Sale during Static Judging at County Fair, member of the 4-H Youth Committee, helped showcase ISU Extension booth at County Fair, judges helper, and planning committee of Iowa 4-H 100 years celebration. Lucille's children and grandchildren were active members of the Audubon County 4-H program.
Chester Christensen (2003)
Chester "Chet" Christensen has been involved with 4-H for 32 years. As a member of the Rounders/Playboys 4-H Club, Chet exhibited at the Audubon County Fair and received a trip to Kansas City for showing the Champion Guernsey Heifer. As a long-time leader of the Bunkhouse Gang 4-H Club, he is a mentor to many 4-H'ers and offers his farm and barns to help them learn about livestock. Four years ago he re-instated Dairy classes at the county fair to provide an opportunity for members to show both dairy and goats. Currently he serves as county fair horse superintendent and continues to attend all project meetings, county training meetings and state horse ICN workshops to stay updated on the program.
As part of the centennial celebration last year, his family was recognized for being a three generation family involved in 4-H in Audubon County. He has four sons, a daughter and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren all remaining active in the 4-H program. Chet has been a Boy Scout leader and an active member of the Audubon County Saddle Club, serving as president for many years. He was a charter member with two other men who organized the Audubon FFA Chapter. Chet is a very willing volunteer who gives of his time without question and is great asset to Audubon County youth.
William Esbeck (2002)
William Esbeck was a great contributor to the beginning of 4-H in Audubon County. He started the Baby Beef Club in 1922. He was a leader in 4-H for over 29 years. Through the years of leadership he had one guiding philosophy that "It isn't the purple ribbon that is important, it's how much the 4-H club member learns in his project that counts." Audubon County believes today that statement is as true as ever.
William received the Good American Award for his contribution to 4-H presented by Ted Malone, ABC Radio commentator, in 1949. He received the Emerald Award by the Sate 4-H office for his years in 4-H leadership. In 1955, William was named an honorary member of the Iowa State College Block and Bridle club for his contribution to Iowa agriculture in the live stock field.
All five of Esbeck's children were 4-H club members. His daughter Ramona Esbeck worked in the State 4-H office for many years. He funded a scholarship for graduating 4-H seniors for 10 years.
William was a great promoter of 4-H and Audubon County is honored to have William Esbeck in the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
One other interesting fact is that William lived to be 101 years old.
Formatted and added August, 2023 by Cheryl Siebrass, with permission from the Iowa 4-H Foundation:
https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/what-we-do/recognizing-service/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame-inductees .
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