Posted on August 23, 2021 at 10:12 AM by Emily Saveraid
Jerry was a 4-H member in Floyd County growing up. He exhibited swine, sheep, and halter calves. He and a friend gave an educational presentation on farrowing crates, which was a new idea at the time. It's a story you should ask him to tell!
Jerry earned his Bachelor's in Education from the University of Dubuque. He taught in Denver, Rudd, and Camanche while completing his Master's in Guidance Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. Jerry and Louise met in Camanche Schools. They married and taught for five years in suburban Chicago and then returned to Jerry's family farm near Floyd. They had a farrow-to-finish hog operation during the 1970's and then returned to working in education. Jerry taught in Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Florida.
In 1988 Jerry became the 4-H and Youth Director for Floyd and Mitchell counties, and in 1993 Jerry became the Floyd County Extension Director. After Jerry retired from ISU Extension, he became a 4-H leader for his grandchildren. In 2011, Jerry partnered with naturalist Mary Jo Burkgren, to start the Mitchell County Outdoor and Shooting Sports 4-H Club, a special interest group. In 2013 Jerry started the Mitchell County Mighty Members, a 4-H club dedicated to the development of youth who are homeschooled.
As a 4-H director and leader, Jerry focused on what was best for the youth. He was always coming up with extra ideas for learning that would build confidence and knowledge for youth not only in 4-H, but into their future lives and endeavors. Jerry was particularly fond of the communications project area and an avid supporter for educational presentations. And they had fun, too! Jerry cared about developing the youth's desire to learn, become young people of integrity, and helping them to become responsible, caring, and future leaders in society. He takes great joy in watching young people grow and learn.
