Posted on August 21, 2023 at 1:25 PM by Emily Saveraid
Allan and Karen Till have been a part of the 4-H for over 50 years and continue to volunteer today. Allan got involved in 4-H in 5th grade and joined the Andrew Future Farms 4-H Club. Allan loved his outdoor projects and started out with dairy heifers. Karen grew up in Dubuque County and was a member of the Washington Wonder Workers 4-H club. One of her favorite memories was winning champion brownies in the Food & Nutrition project area.
Outside of 4-H, Allan and Karen are active in the Jackson/Clinton County Dairy Association. They are very active in their church as past religion teachers for 15 years and helping support the church. Karen works as an LPN nurse in Maquoketa in the dementia unit. Allan is semi-retired; he works at the local meat locker, sale barn on sale days, and still runs the cow-calf herd chores.
The 4-H program runs deep in this family. Allan and Karen are proud of their 8 children that were and currently are still active in the 4-H program: Rhonda (Terry) Miller, Rachael (Ryan) Kilburg, Tina (Billy) Coakley, Tiffany (Danny) Blake, Michael (Kaitlin) Till, Matthew (Allison) Till, Marissa, and Mark Till. While all the kids are grown and out of 4-H, some have taken after Allan and Karen's example and remaining involved in the 4-H program by volunteering as club leaders, supervisors, or committee members.
Allan and Karen continue to volunteer their time to the 4-H program today. One program they are noted for starting is the small animal auction at the county fair. They also serve as committee members of the dairy, sheep, and poultry projects. They also donate plaques for a variety of species during the county fair. Karen is currently the Jackson County Extension Council President and a member of the 4-H Endowment Committee. Allan and Karen are always encouraging others to get involved with the 4-H program. It is a great educational opportunity for growth and there is always a need for volunteers, "You've gotta come out and get invovled," says Allan. "It's your turn."
