Posted on August 31, 2026 at 2:08 PM by Anna Egan
For more than six decades, Barb Peterson-Wilmeth has embodied the spirit, service, and heart of 4-H. Her 4-H journey began in Montgomery County, where she was a member of the Good Luck Charms, the Stennett Panthers Boys 4‑H Club, and the Red Oak Rustlers. She served on both the Montgomery County 4-H Council and the Southwest Iowa 4‑H Council, attended 4-H Camp, later returned as a counselor, and participated in Citizenship Washington Focus. Her project work included home improvement, food and nutrition, sewing, and beef cattle, and she proudly exhibited Swedish rye bread and Loc Garmaine Irish biscuits at the Iowa State Fair.
After moving to Union County, Barb has been a dedicated volunteer for more than 30 years. She began as a comment writer at the county fair before becoming a leader of the Union County Unicorns. She served for many years on the county fair exhibit building committee, guiding youth to judges and helping the evaluation process run smoothly. Barb also served on the Union County Extension Council and has been an active member of Union County Friends of 4-H, Inc. for more than 20 years, supporting fundraising efforts for youth programming.
Barb’s service extends beyond 4-H through her years on the Creston School Board and long‑time involvement with the Creston Elks. She is also known for her legendary baking, contributing dozens of rolls and pies annually to the Friends of 4-H pie auction. Barb and her husband, Dave, raised three daughters, all active in 4-H. Her induction honors a lifetime of service and the countless young people whose lives she has enriched.
