Posted on August 23, 2015 at 9:33 AM by Global Reach
Ray and Evelyn Stuedemann were very active in the Clinton County 4-H program for many years and continue to be avid supporters.
Ray and Evelyn were both involved in the 4-H program as youth. Ray’s father was the leader of his club. Ray was a member of the Lincoln Cowmilkers and Bulldozers and Evelyn belonged to the Elvira Rustlers club. They have a unique story as they met through 4-H at the county fair 53 years ago. Who would know that an invite on the Tilt a Whirl carnival ride would just be the beginning of a lifelong partnership! Their favorite project area was showing cattle along with other projects.
Ray was the leader of the Spring Valley 4-H Club for 17 years. Evelyn was not a club leader, but she actively assisted her husband with organizing the club’s activities, as it was always a team-effort for them. They were willing to help every member that wanted help with a 4-H project from welding, refinishing, woodworking. They even helped a neighbor girl with a cattle project when her dad became very ill. It wasn’t unusual to have their own three daughters along with several 4-H members at the farm working on their projects when fair was approaching. The club members looked forward to the annual sleigh ride, club tour, canoe trip, hay ride, awards night, painting the cattle barn, local show and participating at the county fair. Many past 4-H members continue to keep in touch with Ray and Evelyn because they appreciate the role they played in making their 4-H years memorable.
Ray and Evelyn have three daughters: Lisa, Lana and Leslie. The girls were all involved in 4-H and continue to support the 4-H program.
Ray was on the Clinton County Fair Board for 18 years, serving as president for several years. It’s not unusual to find his 4 finger hand print on concrete and RES initials welded on projects throughout the Clinton County fairgrounds. Evelyn assisted with the lunch stand at the county fair, contributing to its success by bringing in numerous homemade pies. She continues to volunteer to write comments for fair judges.
Ray and Evelyn continue to own Stuedemann Farms. Evelyn is retired from State of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation. They will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary this December—and it all began with 4-H. They take pride in watching their grandchildren at sports, church and 4-H activities. A highlight of the year for them is and has always been the Clinton County Fair and the Iowa State Fair.
They continue to be avid 4-H supporters as 4-H boosters at the county level and the state 4-H 400 program. The Stuedemanns are known to give numerous memorials to the Clinton County 4-H Endowment Fund. Thank you, Ray and Evelyn, for your past involvement in 4-H and for your continued support.
Categories: Clinton
