By Scout Nelson
Audrey Keierleber was recently honored with the Minnie Lovinger Award for her dedication to rural youth education and volunteer service. The award was presented during the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held in Huron on December 10 and 11.
The recognition celebrates individuals who make lasting contributions to farm safety, leadership development, and cooperative education for young people.
“Farmers Union youth education programming depends on volunteers like Audrey who are willing to share their time, talents and passion for agriculture with rural youth,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union. “Youth are our future. Providing them with education on farm safety, leadership and cooperatives empowers them to better serve their rural communities.”
Keierleber grew up on a farm near Rutland as the oldest of six children. From a young age, she placed a strong value on education and was determined to pursue college despite limited expectations placed on women at the time.
“My dad’s theory was that women stayed at home, got married and had families. If they wanted a job, they could get a job working at the local restaurant. Well, this was not what I wanted for my life. I did not want to stay home and work at a restaurant,” explained Keierleber.
Inspired by a family and consumer science teacher, she enrolled at South Dakota State University in 1970 and worked to pay her own tuition. She later met her husband, Joel, through his sister while attending college. After several years, the two began dating and eventually married.
Keierleber built a long and varied teaching career across several South Dakota communities. She taught family and consumer science, reading, psychology, and middle school science. She spent the final 20 years of her career teaching in the Winner School District before retiring.
During summers, Keierleber devoted time to helping with Farmers Union Day Camps and supporting 4-H activities for her daughters. She volunteered alongside other community members to teach youth about farm safety, cooperatives, and leadership while also organizing creative activities.
Education remained central to her family life. Keierleber supported her daughters in their academic goals, encouraging them to pursue higher education and professional careers.
“We always knew our daughters could do a lot and we supported them in their interests,” Keierleber said.
Through decades of teaching and volunteer service, Keierleber has left a meaningful impact on rural youth, making her a deserving recipient of the Minnie Lovinger Award.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: South Dakota, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety