Posted on July 24, 2012 at 11:04 AM by Global Reach
Charlie and Judy Obrecht began their years of dedication to 4-H when they were joined 4-H. Charlie joined the Center Comers 4-H club in Shelby County. His main reason for joining 4-H was to learn about livestock and how to successfully raise them. He showed Shorthorn beef cattle at the county and Iowa State Fair as well as national shows across the country. This year marks his 60th anniversary showing cattle at the Iowa State Fair. Charlie continues to raise Shorthorn cattle in his farming operation today.
Judy joined the Washington Workers 4-H Club in Grundy County in 1953 due to her mother’s influence. Her favorite project area was clothing because she enjoys sewing. Her favorite memory from being a 4-H member was when she was elected as the county president for all the 4-H girls. Judy says 4-H taught her not only lifelong skills like cooking and sewing but also better communication skills such as public speaking.
Charlie and Judy were married in 1966 and continued their love and dedication of 4-H together. When their sons were old enough to join 4-H they helped start the Jackson Jets 4-H Club in Shelby County. The Jackson Jets 4-H Club continues to thrive and grow in Shelby County to this day.
Charlie has been a 4-H volunteer for over 50 years. He continues to volunteer by judging cattle shows, working with his grandchildren on their 4-H projects, and involved in 4-H at the county level. He enjoys helping all 4-H’ers with their projects and thinks 4-H is a great organization that can help all 4-H’ers succeed and reach their goals.
Judy has been a 4-H volunteer for over 30 years. She continues to volunteer by judging local achievement shows, writing comments on exhibits at the Shelby County Fair and judging 4-H exhibits at the Iowa State Fair. She loves to see the exhibits 4-H’ers prepare each year. She continues to volunteer because she likes to work with all 4-H members and volunteers. She encourages youth to join 4-H so that they can become better citizens.
Charlie and Judy, in memory of their youngest son, established the Greg Obrecht Outstanding Junior Award. They volunteer their time to present this award to the most outstanding junior boy and girl in the county that consistently displays love of life, has a good attitude, participates in the county fair, and is willing to help other 4-H’ers.
With over 80 years of combined 4-H volunteerism in, Charlie and Judy exemplify outstanding service to the Shelby County 4-H program.
Categories: Shelby
