Posted on March 29, 2011 at 2:54 PM by Global Reach
Albert Hepker of Urbana, Iowa, joined the local club Polk 101 in 1949 at the age of 13. He was an active member until May of 1956. In 1966, Albert started his role in helping youth become leaders as a Club Leader for Polk 101 with 12 members under his guidance in 1966. In 1976 the club’s membership grew to 48 members. In 1984, he was an Honorary Benton County 4-H member for his contributions to the Benton County 4-H program and was chosen by his club members 2 different years as Outstanding Leader of the Year. In 1996, Albert retired as Club Leaders from Polk 101.
Albert is well-known in Benton County for the time he spent as a leader at the fairgrounds. He would stay round-the-clock at the fairgrounds for the duration of county fair each year- day and night- to be available for any questions or concerns that anyone may have. There was only 1 day out of the 30 years of county fairs (150 days) he left the fairgrounds, which was for a family illness.
With 7 years as a member, 30 years as a leader, and 8 years of volunteering, he has totaled 45 years of supporting the 4-H program. Albert and his wife Jancie are the parents of 3 children- Becky (Gary) Raue, Wendy (Jim) Getty and Todd (JoAnn) Hepker- each were 9 year 4-H members. Albert’s 7 grandchildren were or are currently active in 4-H with his 2 great-grandchildren sure to follow in the same footsteps.
Albert has received numerous awards and honors for his parts, present and ongoing contributions to the Benton County 4-H programs. Currently Albert still volunteers at the county fair helping with shows and fair weigh-ins. The Benton County 4-H Committee is proud to have Albert Hepker inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Categories: Benton
