Posted on August 24, 2015 at 9:11 AM by Global Reach
Marlene and Robert Beckman both started 4-H when they were 10 years old. As 4-H members, Marlene showed poultry, cattle, and participated in showmanship, along with doing gardening, sewing, and many other indoor projects. Robert showed dairy cattle, receiving grand champion numerous times over the years, and participated in showmanship. Both were on the livestock judging team where they received top honors as well.
Upon graduation from high school, Marlene went on to pursue a career in nursing and Robert stayed on the farm raising dairy cattle. While living in the Prairie Grove/Danville area, both became 4-H leaders: Marlene of the Prairie Grove Blue Belles and Robert of the Prairie Grove Boosters. Once the couple made their home in the Mediapolis area and began their family, Marlene became a leader of the Sperry Happy Homemakers 4-H club and Robert helped out with the Sperry Sodbusters 4-H club when his two boys were old enough to join.
Marlene and Robert, along with Bob and Karen McLaughlin, started the Lemonade Stand at the Des Moines County Fair when their kids were in 4-H. It was first located along the east side of the arena, with planks laid on top of barrels, with coolers and water jugs used to store things. They can proudly say the same lemonade recipe is still being used today.
Marlene and Robert chaperoned 4-H members from southeast Iowa, to the State Co
nvention and Marlene served as a nurse at the State Convention as well. They have helped many kids throughout the years with their livestock, shearing calves, helping with other projects such as sewing, demonstrations, and much more. Marlene judged at other county fairs as well as the Iowa State Fair.
Marlene and Robert started camping at the fair, in the back of trucks, many years ago and have been camping ever since. You can still see them at the fair today to support not only their children and grandchildren, but all youth of Des Moines County.
Marlene and Robert are the parents of five children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Congratulations to the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees from Des Moines County: Marlene and Robert Beckman!
Categories: Des Moines
