Posted on August 24, 2017 at 9:28 PM by Emily Saveraid
Doug and Kerry Aistrope of rural Randolph have devoted their lives to improving Fremont County and find 4-H to be the ideal platform for strengthening individuals, families and communities.
Doug grew up in a 4-H family as the middle child of three. His parents, Dave and Lois, were the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame honorees. As a 4-H’er, Doug developed strong leadership and communication skills, and a passion for raising hogs and cattle. He obtained a degree from ISU in Farm Operations-Livestock Production and took over the role of livestock producer on the family farm. He also became a Farm Bureau agent. He served on the Fremont Extension Council right out of college until he joined the Fair Association from 1990 to 2015. He has devoted countless hours to the success of the county fair, and his insurance business contributes annually to the 4-H Cherry Pie Auction and 4-H Premium Sale.
Kerry is the youngest of five daughters born to Merrill and Joyce Gee of Shenandoah. Throughout her career, she has been connected to youth, first as a teacher and coach at Fremont-Mills CSD, next as a School Improvement Consultant with Loess Hills AEA, then as a Student Services Coordinator at Shenandoah Schools. Currently, she serves as Regional Administrator and Equity Coordinator for Green Hills AEA where she leads a team focused on advocacy for students, families and schools. Her recent work has been with such programs as ELL, TAG, Special Education and Section 504 Plans. Doug’s passion for 4-H influenced Kerry and she started volunteering in roles such as comment writer, Cherry Pie Contest assistant, and superintendent for Varied Industries and the Children’s Fair. As a member of Extension Council since 2010, Kerry has helped link local schools with Extension programming and spearheaded the infusion of STEM in 4-H project write-ups. Kerry most recently worked her expertise on youth advocacy, equity and community partnerships as vice-chair of the Iowa Association of Extension Councils.
Doug & Kerry have been married since 1987 and became parents to Emily in 1991 and Dominic in 1993. Emily and Dom joined Doug’s former 4-H club, Riverside Rockets, where they developed skills in responsibility, collaboration, and leadership. Emily excelled in Clothing & Fashion while Dom shone anytime he got on stage. They both exhibited hogs, cattle and sheep, and took pride in their record books. Emily enjoyed her reign as Fair Queen and Dom participated in Citizenship Washington Focus. During college, Emily served as a county summer program assistant and a livestock assistant at the Iowa State Fair.
Doug & Kerry have enjoyed watching youth discover their passions and mature into capable adults through 4-H. They’ve observed how families working together become strengthened, and how a community improves when it comes together in celebration. Most of all, they’ve come to cherish the relationships developed through 4-H. This second generation 4-H Hall of Fame couple looks forward to watching their grandson, Bryton, become part of the Fremont County 4-H Family!
