Posted on August 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Brenda Bonnstetter has been a dedicated and long-time volunteer with Cerro Gordo County 4-H. She was raised on a dairy farm in Northeast Iowa, where her love for agriculture began at a young age. She found great joy in farm chores, spending her time in the cattle barns milking cows and caring for calves. Brenda graduated from Oelwein High School and went on to attend Wartburg College, where she earned a degree in computer science.
Following graduation, Brenda began her professional career and met her husband, Gerald “Gary” Bonnstetter at Sperry in Clear Lake, Iowa. They were married in 1986 and made their home near Ventura, Iowa, where they raised their two daughters, Ken and Leah. Both daughters were actively involved in 4-H, sparking Brenda’s own involvement in the program.
As her daughters developed a strong interest in exhibiting rabbits at the county fair, Brenda stepped into a leadership role that would impact countless youth for years to come. She served as the Cerro Gordo County 4-H Rabbit Superintendent for 15 years and also volunteered as the Ventura Hustlers club leader. Brenda’s favorite part of volunteering with 4-H has been working side-by-side with youth, helping them develop confidence, responsibility, and life skills through hands-on experiences.
Brenda firmly believes in the mission of 4-H and the lifelong impact it has on young people. She is a strong advocate for the program and the many opportunities it offers for youth development.Through her years of dedicated service, Brenda has helped empower youth to learn by doing, lead with confidence, and grow into capable, compassionate individuals.
Categories: 2026, Cerro Gordo
