Posted on March 24, 2011 at 12:15 PM by Global Reach
Don, a Clay County cattle producer for many years, contributed greatly to 4-H through his local Lone Tree Boosters Club and the county 4-H program.
Don was a member of a family committed to the ideals and goals of the Iowa 4-H program. Generations of Schoelermans have been active participants and loyal volunteers. The family has directed memorial dollars on several occasions to benefit the local 4-H families. The United States and 4-H flags displayed at many 4-H events, donated in memory of his parents Art and Edna Schoelerman, remind Clay County of the support Don and his family have given.
Don was especially interested in the 4-H beef project, evidenced by his work to create and implement four significant beef initiatives: 4-H Junior Feeder/Pen-of-3 Calf project, scramble calf project, carcass evaluation, and electron scanning program.
Don started the 4-H scramble calf project in the early ‘80’s. He designed the project for cow-calf producers to provide calves to 4-H’ers. As a result of Don’s many hours, numerous young 4-H members have learned the responsibility of caring for an animal, keeping financial records, and exhibiting calves.
Through Don’s active participation as a Clay County Cattlemen’s Board of Director, considerable financial support has been directed to the local 4-H program. When the electronic scan of beef cattle became available, Don was among the first in Iowa to implement scanning of 4-H calves.
Don was always ready to help any 4-H’er in need. His friendly smile and jovial laugh were enjoyed by all. Don’s battle with cancer took his life in 1999. However, his legacy will live on through so many others. His niece states “Don passed his love of 4-H to us, making it easier to pass it along to our children”.
Categories: Clay