By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
There is little doubt in anyone’s mind that Arlene Roanhaus loved 4-H.
“4-H gave her the opportunity to help kids to learn life skills,” said her oldest daughter, Darlene. “Teaching these skills and passing them on to children was her greatest reward.
On Saturday, members of the Wheatland Willing Workers 4-H Club showed their appreciation by planting a tree in Roanhaus’s name at New Munster Park near the new park sign.
Lori Harpster, one of the leaders of the club, said the group wanted to give back – which one of the core missions of the club. Each member has to complete a community service project during the year before they can participate in the Kenosha County Fair, and one of those projects is collecting cans for recycling during the Wheatland Fire Department Carnival each year.
“Our club wanted to use the money we received from recycling and make a donation,” she explained. “We decided to donate a tree to the Town of Wheatland.”
The tree was planted in the memory of Roanhaus, who died in January of 2014.
“Arlene was one of the first members of the club when she joined in 1938,” Harpster said. “She earned many awards for foods, sewing and home furnishing at the county and state level.”
Roanhaus was also chosen to attend the National 4-H Congress in 1944. Harpster said that Roanhaus knew she loved the group, and became a 4-H leader three years later.
“Arlene was a 4-H leader for 35 years and taught many children and always encouraged people to strive to be the best they could be,” Harpster said. “She had a heart of gold and was there for everyone young and old.”
Roanhaus’ family and friends were invited to the park for the planting and dedication of the tree. There are currently 30 families with 60 youth members as a part of the Wheatland Willing Workers.
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