Posted on August 19, 2019 at 12:04 PM by Global Reach
It is with honor the Dickinson County Extension Council nominates Dave and Karen Schwaller to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Dave and Karen raised three children Emily, Dustin and Doug in the 4-H program and instilled in them the heart of service. As their children grew, they followed in the footsteps of their parents giving back to the 4-H program volunteering on project committees and during the Dickinson County Fair. Dave and Karen served as club leaders for 18 and 15 years respectively. Each year they welcomed more youth into their 4-H Family.
Over the past four years the Milford Pioneers 4-H Club, under Karen and Dave’s leadership along with co-leader Mary Weaver, has grown to 46 active members, the largest club in the county. Together with their club members they started a favorite fair activity the Farm Chore Olympics. Each year the Club creates new obstacles for the annual relay race. This tradition will be remembered and kept alive even after Karen and Dave retire as club leaders in the fall of 2019.
The Shwaller’s wear many hats in our 4-H community. Dave served on the Sheep and Goat Project Committee for a number of years, helping with weigh-ins, stalling, and planning for the project area. Karen is active in the 4-H community as a judge for photography. One of the best hats this couple wears is that of a mentor. Throughout their combined 30 plus years of involvement the county 4-H program has seen many transitions. Youth have grown older, staff members have changed, new policies have been put into place, but the support of the Schwaller family has remained. Karen and Dave are quick to listen when there are ideas to be shared and always encourage staff, youth, and volunteers alike to keep going.
Their club slogan for 2019 was “Get er done” which paints a great picture of how youth are taught in this club to jump in and lend a hand to get things accomplished.
Outside of her role as a 4-H volunteer, Karen continues to share about the times and adventures experienced in 4-H. As a published author Karen shared with many readers stories about the experiences of their 4-H family in her books “The Dirt: Family Life on an Iowa Farm” and “I Married a City Boy: Life and Times of an Iowa Farm Family”.
Thank you Karen and Dave Schwaller for your many years of service and support to Iowa 4-H
