MSU Extension 4-H

Berrien County 4-H alumna Karen Kolberg Kietzer, of Stevensville, is among 12 4-H alumni inducted into the 2022 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Kietzer was recognized on Sept. 30 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing. 

The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation. 

Kietzer has spent a lifetime working with young people. After obtaining an associates degree from Lake Michigan College, Kietzer earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She then began a career in high school education, serving in various roles in the Galien, Watervliet, and Lakeshore public schools. At Watervliet, Kietzer was head of the high school English department and a class advisor. She was president of the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties Counselors Association, president of the Watervliet Education Association, and chair of the Innovation Grants for Lakeshore Public Schools. Kietzer managed her educational career all while helping to operate Kietzer Farms Inc., a greenhouse operation with vineyards, vegetables, and tobacco that she co-owns with her husband, Rock. 

In addition to her years in the classroom, Kietzer devoted many years to educating young people through the Michigan 4-H program. A former Berrien County 4-H’er, Kietzer has volunteered with 4-H for more than five decades. Her roles have included volunteer leader of the Tyron 4-H Saddle Club and more than 10 years as president of the Berrien Community 4-H Foundation. She received a Berrien County Outstanding 4-H Leader Award and in 2021, she was honored by MSU Extension for her 50 years of service.  

“I grew up on a family farm and the work ethic was reinforced by 4-H participation,” said Kietzer. “4-H developed my civic involvement and service from my teen years to present.” 

Kietzer has also served her community as co-chair of the Winner’s Circle, an annual fundraiser for student scholarships at Lake Michigan College. She is a member of the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation board of directors, the Grace Lutheran Church’s 75th Anniversary Committee of Leadership, and the Michigan Agri-Women board. She is a faithful donor to the Berrien County Youth Fair, Berrien County 4-H Foundation, and Lakeshore Excellence Foundation. Kietzer was recognized for her many personal and professional accomplishments with the Lake Michigan College Alumni Service Award in 2010. 

The Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration was hosted and emceed by MSU Extension Associate Director Matt Shane, a Kent County 4-H alumnus and 2014 4-H Emerald Clover Society inductee. Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2022 were: Gail R. Frahm, Saginaw; Larry J. Gould, Morenci; Jon D. Hausserman, Fenwick; L. Janel Horrocks-Boehmer, Williamston; Alice A. Kempf, Holton; Dian M. Liepe, Pullman; Sarah J. Pion, Cassopolis; Rachael N. Ramirez, Birch Run; Melissa A. Souva, Bronson; Schawna M. Thoma, Anchorage, Alaska; and Mary J. Yeomans, Midland.

Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002 to coincide with the national 4-H centennial. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs. 

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of MSU Extension. Nearly 100,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 9,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.