Posted on August 23, 2015 at 9:33 AM by Global Reach
Vernon and Joyce Cherne of rural Guttenberg have farmed in Clayton County since early 1972. Vernon served in the United States Navy for seven years before returning home to farm. Vernon and Joyce married in 1972. They have four children: Eric, Julie, Amy and Scott. Their children were all longtime 4-H members and served on the Clayton County 4-H Council. Julie was a member of the State 4-H Council. The children continue to be involved in 4-H and the county fair. Vernon and Joyce have seven grandchildren with the older three being involved in 4-H.
Joyce has been active in 4-H activities since ten years of age. A new club was organized in Keokuk County, in her hometown of Keota, Iowa. She was very active in the county and was elected County 4-H Girls President her junior year of high school. All seven of her brothers and sisters and both of her parents were active as members and leaders in their county. Joyce was a counselor at the State 4-H Leadership Camp, Iowa State Fair and a member of the Iowa State Collegiate 4-H Club. Joyce was a leader for the Jolly Janes 4-H Club in Clayton County. She enjoyed working with the members and judging multiple achievement shows and county fairs.
Vernon was not involved with 4-H as a youth, but his mother was a leader for many years. When his children joined 4-H Vernon became a leader of the Jefferson Go-Hawks 4-H club in Clayton County. Vernon also served as a member of the Youth Committee and Clayton County Extension Council.
Vernon and Joyce were both members of the Clayton County 4-H Foundation Board. They have been active and honored by the Soil Conservation, Cattleman, Pork Producers, and St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg. Vernon is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Heritage Mutual Insurance Board, and the County Agricultural Committee. He is a semi-retired crop and registered Black Angus cattle farmer.
Joyce taught Family and Consumers Science at Clayton Ridge Schools for 40 years. In 2005 she was named the Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year and the Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education Teacher of the year.
Vernon and Joyce look forward to enjoying retirement by attending school and 4-H events with their grandchildren.
Categories: Clayton
