Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development is excited to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Laureates. This includes 10 volunteers, supporters and staff who have impacted Wisconsin 4-H. The newest class of laureates will be inducted to the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame on April 26, 2025, in Rothschild, Wisconsin.
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. Whether it be at the local, state, or national level. 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. This being 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.
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.
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. She provided 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.
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.
In Memoriam
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.
Leverne Senn (in memoriam) – Founding member of the Mighty Mites 4-H Club in Fond du Lac
County. She served as the club leader and clothing leader of the Campbellsport 4-H Club for 35 years. Leverne helped grow the club to one of the largest in the county. She also encouraged club members to make their community a better place through many service projects.
Induction Ceremony
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. Attendees must
pre-register for the ceremony. If you are interested in attending to celebrate the laureates,
please visit: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-4-h-hall-of-fame/ for the registration link
and ceremony details. Please RSVP by March 15th to secure your spot.
