Posted on August 26, 2016 at 8:01 AM by Emily Saveraid
Star Ann Kloberdanz, a Fremont County 4-H volunteer, grew up on a farm learning many life skills when a 4-H’er. Star Ann is the first second-generation Fremont County Hall of Fame recipient, sharing this honor with her father.
As member of the girls West Walnut Eveready 4-H Club, Star Ann excelled in demonstrations, sewing, foods and home furnishings. The perseverance required to compete in 4-H is one of the most notable life skills Star Ann credits 4-H with teaching her.
Star Ann’s perseverance was put to the test as she participated in Fremont County’s first Annual Cherry Pie Contest and Auction in 1962. Many trial runs paid off as she was named Reserve Grand Champion! The Pie Contest and Auction, brings in over $30,000 in donations each year to support participation in Citizenship Washington Focus, a national 4-H civic awareness program.
Star Ann and her husband, Ed, settled in Ankeny where they raised their 4 children, Mark, Matt, Amy and Luke. In 1979, Star Ann helped establish the Iowa Quilters Guild and was elected a charter officer. She was on the central planning committee when Iowa State University hosted the national Heirloom-to-Heirloom Quilt Symposium.
Majoring in Education at ISU, Star Ann began her teaching career in Ankeny. She earned a Master’s Degree and continued teaching after the family relocated to New Jersey. Upon Ed’s retirement, they returned to Fremont County. Star Ann embraced the opportunity to be involved with her family farm by completing Annie’s Project courses and renewed relationships she had established as a Fremont County 4-H’er.
Later, Star Ann taught in Shenandoah until her retirement in 2014. During her teaching career, she was involved in planning and presenting professional development. Again, she credits 4-H for providing her with the basic skills to address a group and organize an event necessary for this work.
Star Ann learned the importance of community service. She currently serves as a board member of the Shenandoah Education Foundation and is a member of the Fremont County Historical Society, Friends of the Library, Corner Quilters, and the Iowa Quilters Guild. She volunteers at the Shenandoah Elementary School and Living History Farms in Des Moines.
Educators, like Mrs. Kloberdanz, are always looking for new ways to teach critical thinking, creativity, communication and leadership skills. “4-H addresses those skills by emphasizing independence, contributing to society and family relationships,” said Star Ann.
Categories: Fremont
