Fond du Lac County 4-H Leader

In Memoriam

Leverne Senn began her 4-H journey as a founding member of the Mighty Mites 4-H Club that she led for 35 years. As general and clothing leader of the club, membership grew to over 120 members and 35 leaders, making it one of the largest clubs in Fond du Lac County.

Leverne graduated from UW-Stout with honors, majoring in Home Economics Education despite having polio. She went on to teach home economics for a few years. She was an active partner of Senland Farms, milking cows and keeping the farm financial records until she was in her 80s. In 1971 her family hosted the first Dinner on the Farm that eventually became Breakfast on the Farm. Leverne served six years on the Wisconsin State Fair Board, three years as Chairwoman. Leverne and Peter hosted nine agriculture foreign exchange students while raising their four children. In 1976 she made breakfast for President Ford while he toured their farm.

Leverne clerked at the fair, judged record books, and volunteered at the 4-H fair food stand. Being a certified clothing judge allowed Leverne to judge other fairs and serve as district director for the “Make it with Wool” contest.

4-H members from Leverne’s club recycled the community’s newspapers, glass, and metal. The club organized a community ice cream social to promote Wisconsin Dairy that ran for 45 years, and worked to make their community a better place. Upon retirement, former 4-H’ers thanked Leverne for her guidance and the opportunities that afforded them to learn and grow into responsible and successful adults.