Barron County 4-H Volunteers, In Memorium of John Gurtner

Head, Heart, Hands and Health describe John and Jean Gurtner–If there was ever a conflict with career and 4-H, they would divide and make sure 4-H was covered.

Jean Gurtner has been involved in 4-H since childhood as a member, taking only 2 years off for college, and then off for college, and then volunteering as a club and project leader. John Gurtner was one of the initial four people that started the 4-H Horse project in Barron County in 1962, holding countywide training centers at the fairgrounds so they could help youth become better horse people.

After John and Jean met and married, they continued the 4-H path. They instructed the horse project at their farm up to four times a week. They did everything they could, so youth could participate—including volunteering their horses to use at the fair so youth could fully immerse themselves in the 4-H experience. John and Jean did not just teach the riding part, but also the educational side of the project and 4-H, and most importantly life skills and work ethic.

John and Jean were not just dedicated at the county level but were regularly active on the district and state; as well helping other counties, youth, and adults with their knowledge of 4-H. Both held officer positions and headed multiple committees.

John was still an active project leader in 2015 when he passed away, marking 56 years as a volunteer. Celebrating 66 years as a volunteer in 2024, Jean is still a club and project leader.