Waukesha County 4-H Volunteer & Club Organizational Leader

In Memoriam

Leona had a long career in 4-H, first as a member in Tess Corners 4-H club and then volunteer, organizer and founder of the Washington 4-H Club in Waukesha County. To organize the Washington 4-H club, she gained the assistance of a Washington school teacher by first organizing a mother’s club in 1950, in which she held offices and produced the newsletter for the mother’s club. In 1951, she founded the Washington 4- H Club, where she served as organizational leader for 56 years.

Leona was instrumental in getting the 4-H horse project started in Waukesha County. She co-founded the Fox River Horse Association which rode in the first Milwaukee Circus Parade. Additionally, she got support from the County Board of Supervisors to get the Horse Barn and arenas built on the Waukesha County Expo Center grounds. Because of her involvement with the Horse Barn, she was the County Fair Horse Superintendent from 1982 – 2004. She served many years on the State 4-H Horse Show committee.

Leona was an advocate for the 4-H youth program by speaking to county and state political officials. Her theory was: “if we spend time and money on our 4-H youth, we won’t have to put so many young people in jail and support them there.”

Leona’s legacy includes her 2 daughters graduating from Washington 4-H Club. Since then, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild have been 4-H members. Two grandchildren became 4-H leaders with her granddaughter Barb Jones becoming the Washington 4-H Club organizational leader.