2007 Winneshiek County - Vernon Spilde

Vernon Spilde, from Winneshiek County, started his career in 4-H in 1938 becoming a member of the Springfield Choreboys.  During his years as a 4-H’er he received many honors from the Holstein Association, one of which was a scholarship to Iowa State College.  

After Vernon graduated from high school, he became the County Youth Assistant in Winneshiek County and held that position until December 30, 1950.  He was a charter member of the Pinebluff Foundation Board which started in 1953.  He was a board member until 1990.  He stayed connected with 4-H by becoming a leader of the Riverside Beavers and a member of the Winneshiek County Extension Council.  

Vernon was a part of the Winneshiek County Fair board for many years in positions of fair board member, fair board manager and fair board secretary.  During the time he was on the fair board, he was lead person of the open dairy show.  After retiring from the fair board, Vernon was a clerk for the 4-H livestock auction up until a couple of years ago.  

Winneshiek County started a foundation a couple of years ago and Vernon was one of the first to donate towards that.  Vernon has been there either working or volunteering his time to help the youth in Winneshiek County.  He and his wife Kay are avid supporters of the 4-H program.