Waukesha County 4-H Volunteer, In Memorium

Fred Washa, a Waukesha County 4-H Pioneer leader, was an innovator and developer of community-based partnerships in the Muskego community. In 1950, Fred founded the Muckey 4-H Club and was general leader for 55 years. Within the club, Fred taught woodworking, photography, square dancing, drill team, speech, drama, citizenship and backpacking. He divided Muckey into Junior and Senior Clubs, and fostered appropriate activities for each age group. At its height, Muckey had a membership of nearly 200 members.

Fred was known in the Muskego community as a go-getter and a master at networking community partnerships. He helped start the Muskego Park and Recreation department and the Muskego community Library, served on the Muckey School Board and Muckey Community Club Board, and volunteered at the Milwaukee Public Museum and Habitat for Humanity.

One of his partnership efforts was the securing of the “Muckey” bus in 1972. He convinced community members to buy shares in the bus. For the next 20 years the bus made trips, all over the United States (including Alaska) and Canada, available to 4-H members at a nominal cost. Just this one innovation created travel opportunities for hundreds of children.

Over the years, Fred served on the Leaders Association Executive Board, directed the Waukesha County 4-H drama music festival, organized the Southeastern Counties 4-H Drama Music Show of Shows, and served as a resource leader/advisor on the State Drama and Music Company.