Posted on August 31, 2026 at 1:13 PM by Anna Egan
Bill Watters was a Dubuque County 4-H’er and a member of the English Mill Jr. Farmers 4-H Club. He shared that he was in 4-H when one could remain a member until age 21. He was an active member earning awards in agriculture, swine, sheep, and horticulture.
Bill represented Dubuque County at the Citizenship Washington Focus in 1963 and was the Dubuque County Fair King in 1964. He was one of the first Dubuque County 4-H’ers to advance to the Iowa State Fair, with a Ladder Safety presentation that earned a purple ribbon.
After his 4-H career, he gave back to 4-H and Extension on the Dubuque County Extension Council, serving as treasurer for over 20 years. Bill also represented 4-H on the Dubuque County Fair Board for 40 years. He helped with the Dubuque County Lock-In Committee, which planned an overnight opportunity for junior high youth. He served on the County Swine Committee and was part of the leadership for the Livestock Committee, helping with project training and County Fair support. Bill also contributed to the establishment of the 4-H Food Stand by supplying both the grill and LP gas.
Bill was honored as an Honorary 4-H Leader in 1986. His lifelong involvement and commitment to the 4-H program have made a lasting impact on Dubuque County and Dubuque County 4-H.
