Posted on August 8, 2013 at 11:37 AM by Global Reach
Al Nickerson, was a third-generation 4-H member and leader. His grandfather, Raymond Nickerson, established the Lakes Ambitious Feeders 4-H Club in Clear Lake where Al was a member and his father, Walter Nickerson, was a leader. In 4-H, Al’s main project was sheep and bucket bottle calf. In the mid-1990s, Al was a 15-year 4-H leader of the Lakes Ambitious Feeders 4-H Club.
Al was a charter member of the Cerro Gordo County 4-H Foundation which was created to apply for grants and raise money for the Cerro Gordo County 4-H Learning Center and Food Stand at the North Iowa Events Center Fairgrounds. Al’s effort to create this foundation was possible with his determination and was the first chairman of the foundation.
Planning for the learning center began in September 1997. Al was one of the 4-H parents who stepped forward and volunteered to serve on the planning committee. The first grant and donations were received in July 1998. Fundraising continued through the grand opening of the learning center and food stand at the 2001 North Iowa Fair. Al was very instrumental in development and completion of the learning center. Without his leadership and persistence, both the Cerro Gordo 4-H Foundation and the 4-H Learning Center would not have happened. He was there from start to finish and never wavered when encountered setbacks occurred. His determination and loyalty to Cerro Gordo County 4-H was unquestioned. You could always count on Al and he would not allow this project to fail.
During his tenure as leader with the Lakes Ambitious Feeders, he provided excellent help and feedback in helping 4-Hers succeed at the North Iowa Fair and the Iowa State Fair. A prime example was writing and putting together two “Share-the-Fun” club presentations selected for the Iowa State Fair. He really enjoyed helping his two children with their 4-H projects including their sheep projects.
Currently, Al is a Sales Representative for Community Creations Incorporated for the past seven years. He has been married to his wife, Sue, for 34 years. He enjoys playing golf, talking to his coffee buddies at the Corner Drug store in Clear Lake, watching sports on television and spending time with his family. His son, Andrew, was a nine-year 4-H member and is currently on the Cerro Gordo County 4-H Youth Committee. His daughter, Katy, was also a nine-year 4-H member.
Categories: Cerro Gordo