Since 1997, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products partner to honor outstanding Iowans at each year’s Iowa State Fair. We look for individuals across the state who personify the greatness of Iowa with a strong work ethic, loyalty to helping others, and an exceptional sense of Iowa pride.
View a full list of the past Iowans of the Day since the program's inception in 1997.
Every year, 10 nominees are named Iowan of the Day, receiving a special day of recognition at the Fair. As Iowan of the Day, winners receive the following:
- Four Iowa State Fair admission tickets
- An introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage
- Four Grandstand show tickets for their day
- Privilege to use the Iowan of the Day golf cart for the day
- VIP parking
- Accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown
- $200 cash
Do you know someone who commits their life to bettering your community? Someone who deserves to be acknowledged for their efforts? Be sure they receive the recognition they deserve! Nominate your shining star by July 1 for this year’s Fair.
Download a nomination form here. Forms can also be requested by calling 515‑262‑111 ext. 371. All nominations are considered for 3 years.
Nominees must be residents of Iowa. Each nomination is evaluated on a number of things, including community involvement, volunteerism, personal achievements, and involvement with youth to name a few. Nominators should provide us with supplemental materials that emphasize these areas such as testimonials, photos, newspaper articles and letters of recommendation. Any information that shows our judges the greatness of your nominee is welcomed!
Marilyn Sokol – Belle Plaine
Marilyn has dedicated over 17 years to coordinating volunteer programs at the Benton County Community Center. She leads a group of 16 volunteers on Wednesdays, overseeing projects such as making pillows for hospital patients, crafting blankets and treats for nursing homes, and providing food support for the community. Additionally, Marilyn assists in finding transportation for individuals needing rides to medical appointments.
Pat Burch – Norwalk
Pat has been a dedicated volunteer for various organizations for many years, including the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Red Cross of Greater Iowa. Recently, she has focused on the National Quilts of Valor Foundation and has provided quilts to over 250 veterans and active duty service personnel since 2019. Her efforts have made a significant impact on American heroes across the state, country, and even globally. On June 21st, 2024, Pat organized over 60 people in four separate locations to make Quilts of Valor on a single day, resulting in over 50 finished quilts. This demonstrates her exceptional commitment to supporting and honoring veterans and active duty service members.
Roxanne Cogil – Jamaica
Roxanne is a dedicated volunteer, actively engaged with the Yale Community Club, assisting with the coordination of events and fundraisers. Roxanne is committed to serving the Jamaica Lions Club by fundraising for community projects. Her involvement extends to supporting youth activities, agricultural initiatives, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Roxanne's extensive volunteer work demonstrates her unwavering commitment to serving her community.
Nelson Klavitter – Dubuque
Nelson has been actively involved in the community for several decades. He has played a key role in organizing Architecture Days, a popular event that offers tours of Dubuque's historical sites. Nelson is also a proud ambassador for the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and is actively involved in showcasing Dubuque to job-seekers and newcomers through his role as a tour guide for Travel Dubuque and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. He has been a committed member of the Dubuque Noon Lions Club for over 50 years and is an active volunteer at their food booth during the Dubuque County Fair.
John Klein – Treynor
John is a dedicated community leader who has made significant contributions to various youth and community initiatives. He has actively written grants for community projects, organized essential services such as swim lessons and transportation, and supported youth groups through fundraising. He supports the Treynor Community Can Kennel, which benefits various youth groups and has raised over $246,000 to date. Additionally, John has been involved in organizing community events and established a volunteer organization. His impact reaches beyond youth-focused efforts, demonstrating his commitment to overall community well-being.
Crystal James – Ottumwa
Crystal is a dedicated individual who has shown extraordinary commitment to serving others. She has been involved in various notable efforts such as serving as a missionary in Haiti and contributing to arts and humanities. As a member of Team Iowa Missions, Crystal and her husband have made nine trips to Haiti to share hope and compassion and support sponsored children and elders. In addition to her missionary work, Crystal, a retired teacher, is actively involved in providing musical and educational programs to people of all ages by volunteering in multiple educational and community organizations. She is also involved with the Ottumwa Lord’s Cupboard, where she assists in distributing food to families and individuals in need in Wapello County.
Tate Giesemann – Bellevue
Tate, at just 17, is an exemplary leader and dedicated community server. He has showcased strong leadership skills through his involvement in Boys State, Student Council, FFA, and FBLA. Tate's contributions extend to the State Youth Advisory Council and the Bellevue School Board, where he provides valuable insights. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the National Honor Society. Tate's commitment to community service is evident through his participation in the Bellevue High School Silver Cord Program, with plans to join the Marines after graduation.
Rodd Holtkamp – Primghar
Rodd has been an essential contributor to Primghar and O'Brien County for many years, actively involved in various community initiatives. His dedication has been demonstrated through his work with the Mercy One Hospital Foundation for two decades, serving on the original EMS Building Construction Committee, and being a part of several influential boards. In addition to his community involvement, Rodd has also shown his commitment to the O'Brien County Fair by securing sponsors for four billboards to commemorate its 100th year.
Elaine Graham Estes – Des Moines
Elaine is a respected figure in Iowa, known for her pioneering work in civil and women's rights. She integrated dorms at Drake University and later became the first African American director of the Des Moines Public Library. Her accomplishments include innovating library materials, automating the library, protecting privacy rights, and serving on multiple boards and organizations, including the American Library Association and the State Historical Society.
Kendall Pals – Algona
Kendall, former Algona Chief of Police, dedicated 41 years of service to law enforcement. He initiated a program for officers to read to young students, promoting positive relationships with the community. Post-retirement, Kendall remains actively involved in volunteer work, serving on various committees and organizations to give back to his community. He volunteers on election days, helps out at local community events, provides assistance to the people of Haiti, and supports veterans through "Moving Veterans Forward" of North Central Iowa by collecting and distributing furniture and household items. Kendall's commitment to improving lives, both through his professional and volunteer efforts, reflects his belief in enhancing the well-being of others.
Arilyan Steenblock – Panora
As a junior in high school, Arilyan did her part to help with an issue many young women encounter at some point, finding themselves in need of a feminine hygiene product but not having one on hand. To help solve this issue, she started “Blessing Boxes”. These boxes are stocked with needed products in the girl’s bathroom at her school. Between using some of her own money to keep these boxes filled, and soliciting donations, Arilyan is determined to help with this on-going issue.
LaVerne Quass - Ankeny
LaVerne is committed to giving back to his community. This is evident from his 20 years of volunteering for Life Serve Blood Center. LaVerne has transported blood to hospitals all over Iowa and into Nebraska as a volunteer driver. He continues to volunteer 25 hours a week at the age of 86. He is also highly involved in his church. LaVerne is a loyal and helpful friend, graciously aiding his friends with their appointments and outings.
Nelda Bartels – Lytton
Nelda is known as the “energizer bunny”. She leads the designing of the face of her town; including the welcome signs as well as the plants she maintains each summer. Nelda continually volunteers to take photos for the annual Lytton Gala Days Celebration. She can be found attending local sporting events as one of the biggest fans. Nelda coordinates activities each year for the Sunday school kids. It’s safe to say that she loves her small town and the great state of Iowa.
John Keeney - Carlisle
John has been the treasurer for the Warren County Agricultural Association for 15 years as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also served as the vice president on the Warren County Fair Association for 15 years. John is a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a 4-H leader for 16 years along with his 18 years of serving on the Extension Council and Youth Committee. John is an inspiration for his service and dedication to many different organizations in his community.
De Heaton – Corning
De averages more than 30 hours a week serving her community through her work at the Corning Opera House as the Executive Director. She oversees maintenance of the building, writes grants and makes sure that entertainment is family friendly. De is a strong advocate for music education and experience. She facilitates many youth activities such as the children’s musical, “Tea Parties”, the annual Polar Express Celebration as well as planning educational activities for students on “early out” days.
Emma Miller - Goodell
At ten years old, Emma was with her grandmother at the local cemetery paying their respects to family and close friends by decorating headstones. Emma noticed there was a large tree limb on one of the gravestones. She called her grandpa and he brought tools to help her clean up and make repairs to the area. Emma took initiative and decided to continue this as a community service project. Throughout the last two years she can be found decorating, repairing or cleaning old grave sites in the cemetery.
Ron Stutsman – Riverside
Ron is the face of his community. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Sharon Center United Methodist Church, President of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, and President of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. Ron makes himself (as well as his resources) available whenever needed to his community. He has served on the Hills Bank and Trust Board of Directors, President of Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa and is a member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Board.
Arleen Starman – Burlington
After losing her husband when he was in hospice care, Arleen was called to help others going through the same thing. She understood what the families were feeling allowing her to help them in a way nobody else could. Arleen healed others as she healed herself through her 3,247 hours of volunteering with hospice over fifteen years. Arleen is well known and loved around her community because of her 27 years of being the middle school secretary. She makes it a point in her life to make everyone feel special.
Bev Michael - Cedar Falls
Since 1994, the Sartori Memorial Hospital has recorded 6,250 volunteer hours that Bev has contributed. She has managed the gift shop, coordinated blood drives and chaired the teen volunteer committee. Bev has served as the president of the Hospital Auxiliary, held a seat on the Iowa Hospital Auxiliary Board and co-chaired the Sartori Festival of Trees fundraiser for a number of years. She volunteers with the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls Visitors and Tourism Bureau, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Waterloo Center of the Arts, and Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Elsie Van Beek – Maurice
As a 15 year old, Elsie has a strong passion for recognizing and thanking veterans. She successfully raised $85,000 through selling cupcakes and soliciting donations to sponsor 83 veterans on an Honor Flight. The veterans had the opportunity to see Arlington National Cemetery along with other special memorials: a day they will never forget. Elsie volunteers with Wreaths across America, Midwest Honor Flight, Key Club (community service organization), Maurice Youth Group and is a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit.