Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:13 PM by Global Reach
Pat Oettchen, from Gladbrook in Tama County has been involved in 4-H for fifty plus years in a variety of ways. Pat started 4-H in fourth grade, completing many sewing and cooking projects. She takes pride in her award-winning demonstrations presented at the National Cattle Congress and Iowa State Fair.
As soon as her three daughters were old enough to be involved in 4-H, she volunteered to be the leader of the Gladbrook Gals. “Being a 4-H leader was one of my most worthwhile endeavors because it was something the girls and I participated in together (at times we laughed and cried together).” She also remembers one very shy ten-year old girl that joined 4-H that became the state 4-H president her senior year.
Eleven years later when her children were too old to be in 4-H, Pat continued her involvement in 4-H by serving as the home economics superintendent for the Tama County Fair and being a member of the fair board. Meeting people and watching the younger generation develop their leadership skills enriched Pat during the years with the fair. As part of the fair board she felt privileged to be a part of developing the fair and watching the fair facilities grow through the years.
Although never expecting awards for her service and volunteering Pat has been recognized with several awards: 1994 Extension Service Alumni award, 1994 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Award, 2000 Governor’s Volunteer Award for State of Iowa, 2002 Friend of Tama County Fair.
Pat has been married to her husband Ervin for 57 years. She has three daughters Madonna( Kim) Wilson, Connie Strable, Judy( Bob) Peterson, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Categories: Tama
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