2022 East Pottawattamie County Kenneth and Marie Suhr

The late Kenneth (Kenny) and Marie Suhr raised four boys on a farm south of Walnut, Chris, Scott, Brian, and Kevin.

The boys showed all livestock, such as cattle, sheep, hogs, dairy cattle, and poultry.  Kenny and Marie encouraged their children to not just show livestock but be involved in other projects, with an ongoing goal that the boys were to try something new every year.  With this being said, the couple encouraged the boys to participate in clothing events, cooking, photography, welding, woodworking, working exhibits, educational presentations, and much more.  Kenny became a 4-H leader in 1960 and was a 4-H leader of the Lincoln Leading Livestock Lads.  When the boys and girls club combined, he was then the leader of the Lincoln Leading Livestock Leaders, later known as the Layton Lincoln Leading Livewires, for 45 years.

Marie was the 4-H aide at the East Pottawattamie Extension office for several years before working for ISU Extension in the outreach program.  Kenny and Marie both enjoyed 4-H and all the educational opportunities it provided youth.

The couple enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren compete at the county fair, state fair, national shows, and jackpot shows.  One of Kenny's proudest achievements was Suhr Club Lambs, which raised the champion or reserve market lamb and sometimes both for 26 years straight.  Kenny and Marie mentored countless 4-Hers over the years, from their sons to nieces and nephews and their children to other friends and beginners from all over the country.  Suhr Club Lambs have produced thousands of champions around the country since 1979.