Posted on August 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM by Emily Saveraid
Susan (Sue) Girres served as the Palo Alto County Extension and Outreach office manager for fifteen years during the 1980s and 1990s. She was the key component in keeping the office running smoothly and efficiently. She was the secretary for many county staff, including directors, 4-H agents, and a home economist. Sue was credited for her wonderful typing skills, being both incredibly fast and accurate. Sue’s responsibilities also included bookkeeping, arranging logistics and food for all meetings, typing all meeting minutes, and answering the phone for the staff. As the first point of contact, Sue capably and knowledgeably responded to questions on various topics, including agriculture, 4-H, and human sciences. Sue was the brave and confident individual who took on the leadership role of becoming the office IT person when the first computer was introduced to the Palo Alto County Extension Office. As staffing changes became more frequent, Sue became a mentor for her new co-workers. Sue was known as being the ultimate professional with a great laugh.
Sue Girres was born in Estherville and attended school in Graettinger, graduating in 1979. She attended the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College. In 1984, she was married to William “Bill” Girres. Sue and Bill made their home in Graettinger, where they welcomed a son, Shane, into their family. After leaving ISU Extension and Outreach, Sue continued her career at Iowa Lakes Community College, working in the music department and library for fifteen years. Music, particularly bluegrass, and musical performances were an important part of her personal life, along with a love of vintage cars and attending car shows.
