Posted on August 23, 2021 at 9:08 AM by Emily Saveraid
Joan Colbert of Sigourney, Iowa has been selected as Keokuk County’s 4-H Hall of Fame recipient for 2021. Joan was a co-leader for the Keokuk Kookies 4-H Club with Irene Cassens from 1975-1985. Joan has also been a member of the Keokuk County Expo Board since 1991.
Joan has played an important role in making the Expo a success every year for 4-H and FFA members in Keokuk County. She had an intricate role in getting the kitchen and concession stand set up for the board and making it what it is today. Joan has spent countless hours at the fairgrounds and her home fixing and finessing recipes to be used. She knows how to manage money and can stretch a dollar to ensure that the Expo creates an outstanding fair every year. Joan enjoys sharing her time and expertise with others on the board and in the community.
Growing up on a family farm along the Keokuk-Iowa county line allowed Joan to attend school in Webster before its closing. After the closing of the Webster school, Joan attended school in North English, Iowa. In 1959, Joan was united in marriage with Jimmy Colbert. Together, they had four children: Diana, Patricia, Pamela, and Frank. Joan is also a grandmother to nine grandkids and 3 great grandkids, with one on the way.
Joan previously was employed by the Manor House in Sigourney, Iowa for 15 years. This is where she gained her knowledge for food and the food ordering process. Outside of being a member of the Keokuk County Expo Board, Joan enjoys gardening, baking, playing bingo and bowling.
