Posted on August 23, 2021 at 11:49 AM by Emily Saveraid
Grant Schaaf’s email address, 4hdad1995, tells you everything you need to know about this inductee!
Grant, the youngest of three kids, grew up in 4-H. With a wide age gap between each of his siblings, his father was a 4-H leader for over 30 years! As a Riverside Rocket 4-H member, Grant exhibited beef and excelled in leadership activities. Undoubtedly, the best prize he ever won at the Fremont County Fair was his wife, Susie!
Grant earned an Agronomy degree from ISU in 1982. During summer breaks, he worked in the Fremont County Extension office, and following graduation, he worked in the Southwest Area Extension Office and Cass County Extension offices. After brief stints as an Ag Lender in Mt. Pleasant and a stockbroker in Texas, Grant came back home to begin his 33-year career with First State Bank in Tabor.
Grant and Susie started a family in 1995 with the birth of Preston followed by Olivia, then Clara. Susie was a committed stay-at-home mom who enjoyed performing as a singer/songwriter until she passed away in 2007. Her CD, “For You,” dedicated to her children, was released in 2003. Susie was posthumously inducted into the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
As a single dad, Grant saw 4-H as an opportunity for his children to build relationships with other caring adults and he allowed the 4-H community to rally around his family. All three kids were outstanding members, exhibiting a wide variety of projects, and taking on leadership roles. Each went on to attend ISU. Preston is now a project engineer for Emerson Electric in Marshalltown. Olivia works as a researcher in Milwaukee and was recently married to Andrew Luke. Clara will soon be starting her senior year of college. Grant credits 4-H with teaching them new skills, encouraging them to follow their passions, introducing them to new things, fostering independent thinking, and helping them develop a willingness to take risks even when success is not guaranteed.
Grant has also lent his time and talents to the Fremont County Fair for over 20 years. Having learned a few things as his wife’s “roadie,” Grant is the sound guy, making it possible for others to experience the joy of performing that Susie did.
If you’re looking for the epitome of a great 4-H dad, supporter, and volunteer, look no further than Grant Schaaf, 4hdad1995.
