2003 Hamilton County - Lynn Habben

Lynn Habben has been involved with the Iowa 4-H program for many years.  First Lynn was a 4-H member with the Black Hawk Township 4-H Club in Grundy County, then he was the Hamilton County 4-H & Youth Leader from 1956-59 and County Extension Director from 1959-1990, and now he continues his involvement as a retiree.   

Over the years, Lynn has been very involved and supportive of 4-H programs, especially in Hamilton County.  He and his wife, Lorraine, have been long time annual members of the Hamilton County 4-H Foundation that was formed in 1949.  During his years with Extension, he was very instrumental in seeing that the wishes of the Foundation founding fathers were carried out.  He continues to give of his time and resources to promote the award and scholarship opportunities available through the Hamilton County 4-H Foundation.  He was awarded the 4-H Alumni Award by the Hamilton County 4-H Foundation in 1975 and Honorary 4-H Member in 1981.

Lynn continues to judge the secretary and treasurer books from each 4-H club in the county to determine yearly top officer awards.  He volunteers to host the special booths that 4-H has had at the county fair over past several years including the 50th anniversary of the Hamilton County 4-H Foundation and annual 4-H quilt raffle.  And even after retirement he has continued to help contact bidders for the 4-H livestock sale at the county fair.  

Lynn knows much about the history of 4-H in Hamilton County and has willingly shared those memories when requested at special 4-H events such as the open house to celebrate the 100th anniversary of 4-H in fall 2002.  He keeps in contact with a number of former county 4-H members.  Lynn Habben has set an excellent example for the youth to become contributing community members now as well as in the future.