Kenneth and Barbara Strohbehn, Gladbrook, are awarded their certificate as they were inducted into the 2016 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, on Sunday, August 21, at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair.

2016 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Held at Iowa State Fair

Iowa 4-H volunteers honored by Iowa 4-H Foundation & Iowa 4-H Program

AMES, Iowa – Because of their countless hours given to the Iowa 4-H program, 125 Iowa 4-H volunteers from 95 counties were welcomed into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame on Sunday, August 21 at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees were introduced on stage and awarded a certificate. Following the ceremony was a reception sponsored by donors of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

“The Hall of Fame was created in 2002 to show our committed volunteers how important their time and talents are to this program,” Grunenwald said. “Our inductees work tirelessly to ensure that Iowa’s youth are able to have a fun and safe environment to learn and grow.”

The inductees are chosen by their county based on their service and dedication to the 4-H program and their contributions to the lives of 4-H’ers. Inductees serve as club leaders, fair board members, council members, fair judges, financial supporters, ISU Extension staff members and more. The inductees have demonstrated volunteerism, community service, integrity and leadership to Iowa’s youth.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication and social skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors.

Kenneth and Barbara Strohbehn

Kenneth and Barbara Strohbehn are life-long residents of Tama County. Ken, the sixth of seven siblings, was raised near Dinsdale. Barb and her brother grew up near Buckingham. Following his college graduation Ken worked in Waterloo for Tractor Supply Company. He noticed Barbara walking past the store on her way to Gates College. By September of 1957 they were married.

The Strohbehns have five grown children. Scott and his wife have two children and live on the home farm near Traer, IA. Grant and his wife have two children and live on the family farm near Gladbrook. Noel has three children and lives in Knoxville. Shawn lives in rural Gladbrook and works in Des Moines. He was a 4-H state officer in 1987. David and his wife have one child and live in Polk City. The couple has two great-grandchildren.

Ken and Barb began farming in 1958 on the 160 acre family farm near Traer. They raised corn beans, hay, hogs, and finished beef cattle. In 1973 the couple purchased a second farm near Gladbrook. In addition to farming, Ken’s other activities have included Tama Fair Board, Tama County Extension Council, Gladbrook Lions Club, County Fair food stand, and snow cone stand. He also was an active member of Tama County Pork Producers, Tama County Cattlemen’s Association, and a board member for Tama County Farm Bureau. Barb served as officer in Tama County Porkettes Club, Gladbrook Women’s Club, United Methodist Women, and has been church secretary. They both maintain time to be very active in their local church activities.

Through the years they received several award recognitions. Ken earned the Outstanding Young Farmer Award, the Master Farmer Award, 4-H Alumni Award, and Lions Club Service Award. Barb is noted for her published book of recipes titled A Collection of Treasured Family Recipes, and has contributed to the “Iowa Farmer Today” and “Our Iowa” magazines.

Both Ken and Barb were 4-H members during their teen years. Ken’s beef and hog projects were his emphasis with county fair providing high-lights during those years. Barb focused on home economics related projects. A high-light for her 4-H days was being selected Tama County’s “Better Groomed Girl.”

Tama County is proud to have Kenneth and Barbara Strohbehn as our 2016 4-H Hall of Fame honoree. The leader of the Wolfcreek Whirlwind 4-H Club from 1975 to 1990, Ken hopes others will continue the rich traditions 4-H has established in Tama County, and encourages others to develop leadership skills to carry the tradition forward.