 Glenn and Ginger Sterk of Grinnell and formerly of Montezuma have been named the recipients of the 2024 Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame. The couple, who are long-time supporters of the 4-H program and area youth, will be recognized on Sunday, Aug. 18 at the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fair. By J.O. Parker
Glenn and Ginger Sterk of Grinnell have been life-long supporters of the Poweshiek County 4-H youth program and the county fair. The couple is often seen together at the Poweshiek County Fair attending animal shows, walking through the barns and talking with 4-H’ers and others. In 2023 the couple, who resides in Grinnell and are formerly of Montezuma, donated to the 4-H Legacy Awards Endowment Fund. Their donation made it possible for two 4-H’ers to receive $750 scholarships. This year, the couple’s donation provided $1,000 to each of three graduated seniors and 4-H members. The Sterks have been named the 2024 Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame recipients. They will be honored at the Iowa State Fair in August. The couple was married on Feb. 24, 1968. Ginger said Glenn and a friend were in Grinnell scooping the loop when they met. They had a son, Dr. Kevin Sterk, who was their pride and joy, but unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2010. Since his passing, the Sterk’s have very graciously supported 4-H youth and programs with strong support for the Poweshiek County 4-H program. Their wish is to leave a legacy of supporting youth in the county as well as in the state. “They want youth to have opportunities to participate in organizations such as 4-H to achieve their goals and contribute back to their communities,” noted a representative with the Poweshiek County 4-H program. Both Glenn and Ginger have been past members of Poweshiek County 4-H clubs. Glenn has the longest record of years as a 4-H member as he joined the Jackson South Paws in 1955. The leaders of his club were Harry Bunnell and Marion Palmer. In 1958, Glenn joined the Union Champs with his father, Cornie Sterk, being the leader. The Jackson Club was getting too big, so the Union Club was created. During all those years, Glenn showed cattle at the county fair and showed a few times at the Iowa State Fair. His favorite breed to show was Shorthorns. Glenn has attended the Iowa State Fair every year he can remember except the year of COVID-19. The same can be said for attending the Poweshiek County Fair. The couple enjoys watching youth present their projects and experiencing their successes. When not attending a fair, both Glenn and Ginger enjoy collecting items and memorabilia. Glenn has a valuable toy collection and Ginger enjoys photography. They love to share their collections when visitors drop by to chat. Glenn’s collection items reflect his love of agriculture and his 39-years working at DeKalb and Monsanto in Grinnell (now Bayer), retiring in 2012. Ginger worked 29-years at Lincoln Savings Bank and before that it was Grinnell Federal Savings Bank and several other names. Also, the couple is busy visiting their various farms in Poweshiek County and Glenn is always keeping an eye on the cattle markets in the area. And recently, the couple was able to take part in the Antique Roadshow during its stop earlier this month at Living History Farms. “Congratulations, Glenn and Ginger for all that you do for the youth in Poweshiek County,” noted a Poweshiek County 4-H representative. “Words are not enough for their graciousness.” “We just feel honored that we received this recognition,” said Ginger. The 4-H induction service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18 in the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There are two induction ceremonies to provide a quality experience for the inductees and their supporters. The first ceremony, for counties Adair through Jasper, begins at 1:30 p.m. The second ceremony, for counties Jefferson through Wright, begins at 3:30 p.m.
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