Dick and Merla Morse inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Dick and Merla Morse of Keokuk County were inducted into the 2023 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 20. Ninety-one Iowa counties participated this year and selected 127 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4H Foundation President, David Bolte, and Interim State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

Dick and Merla Morse have been a vital part of Keokuk County’s small 4-H community for a long time. They both volunteered for the Keokuk County Expo Fair Board, where they put in countless hours. Through many years of teaching, supporting, and volunteering, Dick and Merla have greatly impacted the 4-H community.

Merla was an 8-year 4-H Club member, active with many types of projects and served on the County Council. After the pair were married in 1968, Merla was a leader of the Webster-Go-Getters for 4 years. They then moved to Sigourney where they both became members of the Youth 4-H Committee.

Merla became a leader of Stick-To-It 4-H Club for nine years and Dick was a sheep-superintendent. Dick and Merla served on the Keokuk County Expo board from 1976 — 2019.

Their daughter, Shannon, and son, Shane, were both active members of the Stick-To-It and Riverside 4-H Clubs. Their grandchildren, Collin, Sidney, Claire, and Clay were all active members of the same two clubs many years later.

Dick and Merla may be retired now, but 4-H is still a very important part of their lives and will continue to be in the years ahead. We cannot thank Dick and Merla enough for their continued support to the 4-H program.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”