2019 Winneshiek County: Ken and Sue Keune

Ken and Sue Keune of Decorah joined the 4-H program in 1992, when their oldest daughter joined the Madison 4-H’ers club. As each of their four children entered into the program, Ken and Sue devoted years supporting the Madison 4-H’ers club attending and hosting meetings, participating in various club fundraising events, building parade floats, helping cook food for the club soup supper, chaperoning club trips, volunteering with fair activities, and evaluating record books. 

The highlight of the summer was always preparing for and enjoying the Winneshiek County Fair with their children. Both Ken and Sue spent time supporting their children with their fair projects and exhibits, teaching their children about baking, sewing, crafts, carpentry, and raising beef cattle. Both continue to enjoy meeting members of the community at the fair, volunteering in the 4-H café and other 4-H booths, judging fair contests, and supporting other 4-H members through the livestock auction. For Ken and Sue, most summers are not complete without a trip to the Iowa State Fair.

Ken and Sue have continued their involvement in 4-H joining various other 4-H committees in Winneshiek County. In 2001, Ken joined the Pine Bluff 4-H Camp board, which supports the youth camp that serves as an outdoor laboratory for schools, a retreat site for families and other groups, and a valuable forest and wildlife habitat. In 2005, Ken and Sue were founding members of the Winneshiek County 4-H Endowment Board, with the goal of ensuring a strong and vital 4-H program for years to come. The board works to support educational workshops and materials for 4-H members as well as provide financial assistance for youth to attend summer camps and conferences.

Additionally, in 2018, Ken and Sue helped to organize the first annual Winneshiek County “Friends of 4-H” Gala, with all proceeds going to providing scholarships to graduating 4-H members seeking higher education, supporting educational workshops, recognition awards and financial assistance for youth participating in summer camps, conferences and leadership training.

Ken and Sue have continued to support the 4-H program to ensure other children in Winneshiek County have the same great experiences as their children had over 18 years.