2025 Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Announcement
We are very excited to announce the laureates of the 2025 Class of the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame.
The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff, and pioneers who made major contributions to the 4-H movement at the local, state, and national levels. The laureates represent 4-H in the broadest sense – they may be 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, UW—Madison Division of Extension professionals, or staff employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community, or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resources to 4-H and its members. The Hall of Fame preserves Wisconsin’s 4-H history and development while increasing awareness of the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development program.
Ten individuals have been selected to be inducted into the 2025 Class of the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame:
Francis Ginther – Frank served as the Pierce County 4-H Youth Development Agent for over 30 years. His work focused on experiential learning, youth leadership, and building youth-adult partnerships for a foundation of a strong 4-H program.
Daryl Hansen – A volunteer in the Rock County 4-H program for 38 years, Daryl has served at the club, county, and state level. Hansen played a pivotal role in the Rock County 4-H Show Choir, “HeatWave,” and has chaperoned several statewide events.
Leona Jacobson (in memoriam) – Founding and serving as Washington 4-H club leader for 56 years in Waukesha County is only one of the accomplishments on Leona’s 4-H volunteer resume. She also was instrumental in advocating for facilities for horse shows on the Waukesha County Fairgrounds and was a member of the State 4-H Horse Show committee.
Marla Kluge – Marla has been a dedicated volunteer in the Sauk County 4-H program for the past three decades. She recently retired as the Leaders’ Association treasurer, a role she’s held since 1995. She also played a key role in the development of a countywide scholarship program, providing funding for 4-H members to participate in educational experiences.
Karrie Melin Swenson – A Polk County volunteer, Karrie has been a dairy judging coach for 45 years. Her work with the youth in the dairy judging project has led teams to National competitions. She’s also a member of the Polk County Fair Board, advocating for opportunities to showcase youth projects.
Joyce Ann Nelson – Project Discovery Days in Barron County are a testament to this dedicated volunteer. Joyce coordinated the project days to help youth explore their sparks and learn new skills. She’s also been involved in her community and serves as club leader for the Prairie Lake Eagles 4-H Club.
Dennis Patterson – For the past 36 years, Dennis has been the coach of the Grant County 4-H Livestock Judging teams, leading these youth to state, national, and international competitions. He has been active with the Blake Prairie and Grant County Fair, and served on the 4-H Leaders Board and Livestock Auction Committee.
Jim Rutledge – Jim began his 4-H career in Wisconsin, serving as the 4-H Agent in Walworth County in 1971. Since then, Jim’s 4-H adventure has taken him to Wyoming, Oregon, and Oklahoma serving in several roles within 4-H and Cooperative Extension. His research around the Developmental Stages of an Extension Professional has been recognized by many states, including Wisconsin, as a model for professional development.
Leverne Senn (in memoriam) – Founding member of the Mighty Mites 4-H Club in Fond du Lac County, Leverne began her 4-H leadership journey. She served as the club leader and clothing leader of the Campbellsport 4-H Club for 35 years. She helped grow the club to one of the largest in the county and encouraged club members to make their community a better place through many service projects.
Jeff Thomas – Serving as the Iowa County 4-H Livestock Judging Team coach for 35 years, Jeff has helped many youth develop life skills through livestock evaluation. He has been an active member of the Iowa County Cattleman’s Association and Iowa County Fair.
These laureates will be inducted in a ceremony on Saturday, April 26th at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild, WI. The ceremony will include a luncheon that begins at Noon, and attendees must pre-register for the ceremony. If you are interested in attending to celebrate the laureates, please RSVP by March 15th at this link: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abKGkfEzutGYAw6
