Dean Kluss Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/29/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Dean Kluss of Clarion as an Iowan of the Day for the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Kluss is a jack of all trades. With a combination of his Iowa roots and leadership skills acquired from his time in the U.S. Navy, Kluss remains a significant asset in the Clarion community. You can find him volunteering at the Church of Christ, Holmes Christmas Club, organizing Memorial Day services or serving as President of the board for the Wright County Fair. Regardless of his busy schedule, he is always the first to lend a helping hand.

"I still remember his exact words after I described the charitable and philanthropic activities of the Holmes Christmas Club," said Richard Reiland, President of the club. "Dean quickly responded: "You bet! Count me in!"

It's this type of enthusiasm he takes with him to motivate and help the youth of Clarion. According to Karen Weld, Kluss's nominator, "one of his best roles" is a role model to students. Kluss will go out of his way to share his rags to riches schooling experience in hopes that others can relate and have hope. Kluss is also the Youth Ministry Team Leader and Treasurer of Clarion Church of Christ.

"Dean has shown himself to be a man filled with compassion, humility and generosity," said Warren Curry, Minister of the Church of Christ. "He has graciously given of his own time and money to assist both the group of young people and individual youth who may not have the financial resources at home."

Kluss's day of recognition will be Sunday, August 11 at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Kluss will also receive a special introduction on August 11 at 2:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowan's across the state who have made a difference in others' lives, while upholding the characteristics associated with Iowa-dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $95 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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