2015 Adams County- Evelyn Lund

Evelyn Pauline Thomas Lund was born and raised in Adams County. She and her sister were raised by their mother at an early age, 9 and 6, after the sudden death of their father, Wilfred. Their mother, Agnes, worked in private homes, cleaning and caring for people. Things weren’t easy, but the girls helped their mother with chores. Evelyn made good grades throughout school.

Evelyn married Paul Lund after high school and they made their home in Topeka, Kansas. Paul was in the Army and Evelyn worked in various places keeping books while Paul was stationed in the Phillipines. When he returned from the service they made their home in Adams County, Iowa near Corning, where Paul farmed with his father. Evelyn helped in the field at times, made a huge garden, canned many, many vegetables, and raised chickens.

Paul and Evelyn Lund are the parents of three children, Nancy, Laurie, and Charles.  All participated in the Adams County 4-H program in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Evelyn also became very active in the community. She became a 4-H leader for the Peppy Pals 4-H club and judged many 4-H achievement shows. Evelyn served on the Adams County Youth and 4-H committee and in 1969 received the Adams County Honorary 4-H member award for her 4-H volunteerism. Her encouraging smile and positive way with all 4-Hers was always a good fit for her role as a Youth and 4-H committee member and as the Adams County Fair 4-H Home Economics Superintendent. As superintendent, it was her gentle way of encouraging every 4-Her at the door to the “building exhibit” judging room that kept her in that position until she retired from the job in 1993. In 1992, Evelyn became a recipient of the prestigious Iowa 4-H Alumni Award.

Today Evelyn encourages a third generation of 4-Hers in Adams County as her great grandson and two great granddaughters develop skills and confidence through the 4-H program. It is with great respect and admiration that the Adams County Youth and 4-H committee congratulates Evelyn Lund as their 2015 Adams County selection for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.