Kent and Rhonda Stock inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Kent and Rhonda Stock of rural Allamakee County were inducted into the 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines Sunday, August 17. The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair.

Counties nominate volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff members who have exemplified outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their county. Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year.

The Stocks have been dedicated supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H program and the Allamakee County Fair for over 30 years. Kent’s involvement began early, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both lifetime members of the Allamakee County Fair Board. As a child, he helped prepare the fairgrounds each summer. Rhonda grew up on a farm in the Lycurgus area and enjoyed participating in 4-H static projects like sewing and baking.

When their two daughters joined 4-H, Kent and Rhonda embraced their roles as 4-H parents. Kent worked closely with their daughters on beef, dairy, and sheep projects, while Rhonda supported them in static exhibits and record keeping. She also served on the Youth Development Committee and played a key role in organizing the annual appreciation supper at the fair. The family continues to support 4-H financially through the Circle of Friends campaign, helping provide valuable experiences for youth and volunteers.

Even after their daughters graduated from the 4-H program and joined the Allamakee County Fair Board themselves, Kent and Rhonda remained actively involved. They help wherever needed - cleaning buildings, selling tickets, managing the fair office, and encouraging youth around the show ring - all with friendly smiles and generous spirits.

“Kent and Rhonda Stock exemplify the values of 4-H through their decades of service,” their nomination information read. “Their continued involvement, enthusiasm, and support have made a lasting impact on the Allamakee County 4-H community, making them true ambassadors of the 4-H mission.”

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University.

Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”