Ann and Kermit Klees inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at State Fair

A total of 83 counties inducted honorees into the 2013 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 18. Among this year's honorees are Kermit and Ann Klees for Allamakee County.
Kermit was a member of the Jefferson Blacktoppers 4-H Club. While growing up, he showed sheep at the county fair. Kermit’s fondest memory of the county fair is that he almost won the Sheep Showmanship Class.
Ann was not involved with 4-H as a youth, but sees the importance of the 4-H program. She initially got involved in 4-H to help the youth with their horses. Ann has many fond memories of the youth, teaching them the horse basics and having fun.
The Kleeses have been long-time supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H Program. Their 4-H involvement has spanned for several years - from their years as horse project volunteers, by coordinating horse workouts, and helping with the county horse show. They currently share their love of dairy through the shared livestock projects.  During the fair, fairgoers can see Kermit and Ann in the barns visiting with families and looking at the livestock.
Kermit and Ann have dedicated most of their lives to dairying and giving back to the agricultural community through their participation in various organizations.  Ann served as an Allamakee County Extension Council member from 2002-2004.  They were named the Allamakee County Pioneer Dairy Family in 2007.
Kermit and Ann’s service to the 4-H program emphasizes the mission of the 4-H Hall of Fame. The Kleeses have touched many lives through their dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to the Allamakee County 4-H Program.
Honorees were selected by their counties for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage. A reception was held shortly after each of the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame presentations.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Chris Gleason, of ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.
“The 4-H spirit was alive and robust on Sunday! It was a great opportunity to hear stories and their past in the Iowa 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair.” commented Kris Fish Kuhlmann, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Information about this year’s 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 http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”
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 is also available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s website.