Posted on August 31, 2026 at 1:26 PM by Anna Egan
Chester and Rhonda Lee have been actively involved in Ida County 4-H and the Ida County Fair for over 6 decades. They were some of the best “behind-the-scenes " individuals to help promote and encourage young people to become a part of 4-H.
Chester was a lifelong 4-H'er, participating in county and state events. Chester’s love of 4-H and the opportunities he knew it gave to young people continued after he was out of 4-H. Chester would help those young people who wanted to be a part of the 4-H beef program by helping them select steers or heifers to show at the fair. When things needed to be done at the fairgrounds, Chester was one of the first to step up and help.
Rhonda came to the 4-H program after marrying Chester, as she was never a part of 4-H growing up. When Chester and Rhonda’s son, Christopher, joined 4-H, Rhonda started to get more involved and again offered “behind-the-scenes " help in the 4-H building. Rhonda served as a comment writer on judging day for many years. Her love for the outdoors and livestock, plus learning from some of Christopher’s STEM projects led her to the judging of both Ag & Natural Resources and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mechanics. Rhonda was one of the highly regarded judges at county fairs in the surrounding counties. It was something she really loved to do. For over 10 years Rhonda was also asked to judge in the Ag and Natural Resources area for 4-Her’s at the Iowa State Fair. Her help and expertise will be greatly missed. Chester and Rhonda Lee are two individuals who truly loved and devoted their lives to 4-H in Ida County, the surrounding counties, and at the Iowa State Fair.
