Iowa 4-H Foundation

Posted on August 21, 2018 at 3:05 PM by Global Reach

Mary Kay and Gary Walter prove no matter where you land, you can build a legacy through volunteerism. Gary was a Page County 4-H’er and a 1979 graduate of Shenandoah schools.  Fremont County became his home when he bought a farm near Farragut.  Mary Kay was originally from Council Bluffs where she was a West Pottawattamie Willing Worker 4-H’er, excelling in a variety of static project areas. Gary & Mary Kay Walter

Gary and Mary Kay were married in 1983 and welcomed children Stacy, Cindy and Jeremy.  The Walter family continued to farm near Farragut, raising cattle, sheep, swine and crops. 

Mary has volunteered as a 4-H club leader, Youth Committee member, project leader, and food stand manager.  She currently serves as a Cherry Pie superintendent, facilitating one of the most successful fundraisers in the state, raising about $30,000 annually.  The money funds trips to Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF).  She is also a comment writer for static judging where she enjoys watching youth develop mastery in project areas and communication skills.

Gary served on the Fremont County Fair Association and was an assistant swine superintendent and project leader.  He cherishes the relationships developed through volunteerism and recommends it as a great way to meet people.  He also enjoys watching 4-H’ers advance from needing help to offering help as they grow and develop.

Gary and Mary Kay’s children were active 4-H’ers, excelling in the Junior Cattle Feeder project and participating in regional and state leadership roles.  CWF was a wonderful experience for the whole family, valued for its exposure to government, historical landmarks and different cultures.  The Walters credit 4-H with teaching responsibility, leadership, and communication skills, and cherish the many relationships it builds.

Stacy, a learning and development specialist, is married to Derek Reinsch.  They make their home in St. Paul, Nebraska and have a daughter, Peighton, born in April of this year.  Cindy lives in West Bend, Iowa with her husband, Kyle Kabela, and their two young children, Kayden and Landon, where she works as a plant supervisor at Hubbard Feed.  Cindy and Kyle volunteer as 4-H leaders.  Jeremy and his wife, Kayla, are parents to Hudson and the newest addition, Joleigh, born on May 24th.  Jeremy is a chip off the block, farming, raising cattle, serving on the fair board, and as a Swine Superintendent.  He is also a Krueger Seeds District Sales Manager.  Kayla serves on the Extension Council, 4-H Youth Committee, and is a club leader. 

As Mary Kay and Gary watch their children step into volunteer roles, it’s clear the legacy they started 35 years ago will live on for generations to come.

Categories: Fremont

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