Frank Albertsen.

TOLEDO – There are very few folks involved in Tama County 4-H/FFA and agriculture in general who don’t know Frank Albertsen of rural Toledo. But now, the greater population of Iowa will have the opportunity to learn all about him, too, as the county’s 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony annually at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program. They work tirelessly to see that Iowa’s youth have a great learning experience in a safe and fun environment. These adults have modeled volunteerism, community service, integrity, and leadership to Iowa’s youth.  Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will in turn support the continuation of a 4-H program that builds Iowa’s leaders. Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year. Inductees can be recognized posthumously. 

Tama County 4-H has long benefited from Frank Albertsen, an advocate for youth development and agricultural education. While many know Frank as the South Tama Co. FFA advisor (1975-2006), those who have worked alongside him recognize that he truly bleeds green with his unwavering passion for 4-H.

Frank’s deep-rooted connection to 4-H began in his youth when he was an active member of the program himself. The lessons and experiences he gained during those formative years shaped his dedication to fostering the next generation of young leaders. That same commitment to 4-H carried forward with his own children, who also became active members, embracing the organization’s values of leadership, community service, and hands-on learning.

His service to Tama County 4-H extended beyond mentoring and involvement – Frank served as the coordinator of Tama County Extension for nine years, where he worked tirelessly to expand educational programs and provide valuable resources to local families, farmers, and youth. His leadership in Extension reinforced his passion for youth development and strengthened the county’s commitment to 4-H programming.

Beyond his leadership and mentorship, Frank has also been the voice of the Tama County swine show, bringing his enthusiasm and knowledge to the event each year. His presence behind the microphone has made the show not just a competition but a lively, engaging experience for participants and spectators alike. Whether announcing class winners or sharing insights into livestock care, Frank has ensured that every exhibitor feels valued and celebrated.

For years, Frank has been an instrumental force in shaping the experiences of young 4-H members, providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that help them develop leadership skills and a deeper connection to agriculture. His commitment to the program has earned him widespread recognition, including being named as the 2021 Friend of the Fair by the Tama County Livestock and Fair Association – an honor celebrating his dedication to supporting local youth and ensuring the success of the county’s agricultural events.

Thanks to leaders like Frank Albertsen, Tama County 4-H continues to thrive, inspiring young people to embrace agriculture, leadership, and personal growth. His legacy of dedication ensures that the next wave of 4-H members will carry forward the principles he has championed for so many years.

Frank Albertsen will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair at 3:30 p.m. on August 17 in the 4-H Exhibit Building. It is an honor to have him inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame! Thank you, Frank Albertsen, for your dedication to the youth of Tama County.

Frank Albertsen, center, pictured during the 2021 Tama County Fair in Gladbrook during the Friends of the Fair presentation. Albertsen was recently chosen as Tama County’s 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. Also pictured back in 2021, Fair Board Director Nathan Upah, left, and Fair Board President Marla Clark-Hlas, right. TAMA-GRUNDY PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO