Posted on August 19, 2019 at 1:10 PM by Global Reach
Cary K. Conover was raised on the family farm south of Holstein, Iowa. He followed in his parents’, Red and Harriet, footsteps who were very active in 4-H as were his three brothers. Cary was a nine year member of the Battle Badgers 4-H club and held different offices in those nine years. He was elected to the County Council, attended State 4-H Youth Conference, State 4-H Leadership camp and took many livestock projects to the Iowa State Fair, AKSARBEN, Clay County Fair and the Ida County Fair. He especially enjoyed telling stories to his children and grandchildren of showing cattle, and the fun he had at the Ida County Fair.
After graduating from Morningside College in 1971, Cary and his wife Victoria lived in several Des Moines area communities before moving back to Holstein. As their children (Chad, Nathan, Sonnet, and Leah) became old enough to join 4-H, they became members of the Battle Badgers 4-H club. Their dad enjoyed showing them the ropes of caring and showing cattle, hogs and sheep. Cary became a Battle Badgers 4-H Club leader in 1983 and served in that capacity for 17 years.
Cary loved teaching and taught school for 18 years. His love of teaching spilled over to the 4-H program where he especially enjoyed judging communications at the county and state level. He felt he could help young people improve their communication skills with others by offering positive, constructive comments.
Cary was not afraid to get down and dirty. He was a 
member of the Ida County Fair Board for many years. As those who’ve served on the fair board know, it can be a thankless job, doing things others would not be willing to do. He and the other members had a lot of fun, but worked hard to keep the fairgrounds and buildings looking their best. Most recently, he became a member of the Ida County 4-H Foundation and served as president since 2005.
Cary was a member of the Holstein United Methodist Church where he served as trustee, lay leader, and choir member. He was elected to the Galva-Holstein School Board and Battle Township Trustees. He served as a trustee for the Battle Center Church Foundation, and sat on the Holstein Community Theatre Board.
Cary lived the 4-H pledge and motto. He died March 9, 2019 from heart complications. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the many stories he told and his generous spirit of giving.
