Wisconsin 4-H (A UW-Madison Division of Extension program) announced the 2025 Hall of
Fame Laureates. The classes include 10 volunteers, supporters, and staff who have impacted
Wisconsin 4-H. The laureates were honored in a ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Rothschild, WI
on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2014 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 candidates represent 4-H in the broadest sense – people 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.
Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees
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, 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. Patterson has led these youth to state, national, and international competitions.
He has been active with the Blake Prairie and Grant County Fair. He also 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. Being recognized 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 Cattlemen’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) – Leverne was a founding member of a 4-H Club in Fond du Lac
County. She was also the club leader and clothing leader of that club for 35 years. She helped grow
the club to one of the largest in the county. Encouraging club members to make their community a better place through many service projects.
