Posted on August 25, 2017 at 3:33 PM by Emily Saveraid
Agriculture has been a part of Geraldine Tlusty’s entire life. She was born into a farming family and was raised on her family’s farm in southern Winneshiek County. When she married Ron she moved just outside Protivin. Agriculture continued to have an influence as together they lived and worked on his family’s farm in Howard County for nearly 51 years. As a family farm operation, they grow 750 acres of corn and soybeans, raise beef cattle, make hay, and custom chop silage. During this time they also raised their 5 children and are proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren. As the years have gone by Geraldine’s role on the farm is less active as the next generation is now active in the farming operations. She continues to help during planting and harvest and helps with the youngest generation, her grandchildren, on the farm.
Geraldine was not a 4-H member as a child, however that did not keep her from becoming very active in the organization as an adult. Geraldine started her involvement in 4-H as her children became old enough to become members. Shortly after her 3 oldest children became members, Geraldine stepped into the role of a club leader. She continued in this role for 17 consecutive years as each of her 5 children spent time as 4-H members. Geraldine is an avid baker and has shared her passion for baking by offering to do Kolache baking demonstrations to 4-H clubs throughout Howard County. Beginning in 1994, Geraldine became a member of the 4-H Youth Committee, where she served for 22 years. Geraldine is also involved with the Howard County Fair, judging the cookie challenge and crafts projects. She is also active in church and volunteers for several days preparing food for the annual Czech Days celebration in Protivin each summer. Geraldine is active in a local women’s club that just celebrated 40 years as a local organization, where she has been a member from the beginning.
Geraldine continues to support the future of the 4-H organization by helping her 5 grandchildren, who have been or are active in the 4-H organization.
