April 19, 2024

Elaine Bohling named local Iowan of the Day

By KELSEY HAUGEN

Elaine Bohling of Greenfield promotes 4-H at the Iowa Speedway in Newton in September 2009. She is pictured with her daughter, DeEtta, and son, Hank. (Contributed photo)

Elaine Bohling has always been an active volunteer and didn’t slow down at all when a virus left her with a hearing impairment about six years ago, according to her daughter DeEtta Bohling.

“She loves talking with people, so it has definitely been a challenge for her and one she has worked hard to overcome to continue to be an active citizen and volunteer,” said DeEtta of Kansas City.

Elaine, of Greenfield, was named one of the recipients of the Iowan of the Day award, presented by the Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products, Inc, for the 2015 Iowa State Fair. She was nominated by her daughter Natalie Bohling of Des Moines.

“It took a day or so to wrap my head around it,” Elaine said. “I am honored to be recognized for simply doing the things I love.”

The purpose of the Iowan of the Day program is to recognize and honor Iowa’s most outstanding people. Elaine was one of 10 recipients of the award, and each individual gets his or her own day to be recognized at the Iowa State Fair. Elaine’s recognition day will be Aug. 20, and it will include a ceremony on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at 2:15 p.m. She will also receive accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, a cash prize, Grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart.

Elaine works as a claims adjuster for the Farm Bureau Financial Services in Des Moines. Though she commutes to work each weekday, she makes time year-round to volunteer for a number of organizations, including Living History Farms, Legion Auxiliary, Des Moines Playhouse, Friends of the Library and 4-H. She has also volunteered at the Iowa State Fair for nearly 15 years. Much of Elaine’s work involves youth because she believes youth are the future, and therefore, we should invest time in them, DeEtta said.

The letter announcing Elaine was named one of the recipients was written by Donna Wallace, the 4-H Program Coordinator at Adair County Extension.

“Every community and 4-H program needs an individual possessing the qualities of Elaine Bohling,” Wallace wrote. “She sees a challenge and involves herself and others in meeting that challenge.”