Posted on August 8, 2013 at 11:40 PM by Global Reach
Duane “Mick” Konz was born and raised in the Hospers area in NW Iowa. He graduated from St Joe’s Catholic School in Granville. In 1965 he purchased 160 acres across from where he grew up. He started crop farming and raising livestock. He was married in 1966 to Mary Pohlen. He and Mary have seven sons
In 1968, he was activated into the service. He then trained in Colorado Springs and spent a year in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was wounded and awarded a purple heart. In 1969, after his tour in Vietnam, he returned home and continued farming and added milking to his operation.
Mick became a 4-H leader in 1982 after his sons joined 4-H. He served as a leader for 25 years. In 2006, Mick was diagnosed with cancer, believed to have come from his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Over the years he has received many chemo and radiation treatments. In 2007, he had a very successful stem cell transplant and in 2012 he had his last chemo treatment.
While serving as a 4-H leader the part he enjoyed the most was his time working with the kids. During his 25 years of dedication as a 4-H leader, he was more than willing to do what was asked of him. His silent manner aided him in relating with youth. He currently serves on the O’Brien County Fair Board, having been a member for many years. This allows him to continue to share his knowledge and time with the 4-H youth of O’Brien County where he can help educate members in raising and caring for livestock.
Categories: O'Brien
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