As quoted in the Centralia Sentinel several decades ago, “Some things just naturally seem to go together like salt and pepper, pen and ink—in Clinton County, it is 4-H and the Ratermann family of Breese.”
Joseph and Wilma Ratermann lived on a 120 acre farm near Breese, IL with their 12 children. Ten of their twelve children were involved in 4-H—both as members and leaders. The beginning of a long, rewarding relationship with 4-H and the Ratermann family began in the 1940s as Joseph and Wilma became leaders. Five generations later and currently residing in six different states, 4-H continues to branch further and grow stronger throughout the Ratermann family tree. Their contributions to 4-H are substantial, but in return, the impact 4-H has made on their family is immeasurable.
The Ratermann family has had 63 family members involved in 4-H over the past 72 years. This includes 53 4-H members, dedicating a combined 309 years of active memberships. The Ratermann family has contributed 135 years of club leadership with 14 family members as 4-H Leaders. They are also proud of their five National Congress winners, one Extension Advisor, and one Class of 2010 Illinois Hall of Fame inductee. Each gained special skills from their projects and activities. Family members have used what they learned in 4-H to guide their careers. Many of them value the public speaking experience and still treasure some of their prized 4-H projects. Family members will tell you that learning to persevere until the project is completed has served them well in their careers as well as in their personal lives.
Lisa Wait, County Director for Clinton County states “As a new director, it was hard to get to know everyone in the counties, but I knew the Ratermanns within the first couple weeks of being here- they're that involved.” Wait goes on to say, “4-H isn't just about the activities; it's about creating the leaders of tomorrow, and that's exactly what they do. Not only are they involved as members, but they go on to be leaders as well."