Kelly Penman Jr. Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2026) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Kelly Penman Jr. of Carlisle as a 2026 Iowa State Fair "Iowan of the Day" on Sunday, August 16.

For more than a decade, Kelly Penman Jr. has dedicated his time and talents to honoring veterans, preserving Iowa history, and serving families across the state. Through volunteerism, leadership, and compassion, he has transformed a personal passion into a statewide mission of restoring dignity to Iowa's historic cemeteries.

Known by many as "The Cemetery Guy," Kelly was inspired to restore veterans' headstones while serving overseas more than 11 years ago and began his work by restoring a relative's headstone. Since then, he has repaired, reset, cleaned, and restored hundreds of headstones throughout Iowa at no cost to families, while teaching volunteers proper historic cemetery preservation techniques that follow national preservation standards.

Following the EF2 tornado that devastated Pleasant Hill's Oakwood Cemetery in 2024, Kelly quickly organized volunteers to restore toppled and damaged headstones, helping grieving families through what he described as an emotional second loss. His efforts not only preserved Iowa history but also brought comfort and closure to those affected by the storm.

In addition to his cemetery restoration work, Kelly volunteers with Final Salute, serves as president of his local After Prom Committee, and works professionally as a registered nurse. His dedication to preserving Iowa's heritage and serving others continues to inspire volunteers across the state.

Kelly will be recognized for his Iowan of the Day Award on the Iowa State Fair's Anne and Bill Riley Stage at noon on August 16. Along with being recognized he will receive, four admission tickets, four grandstand concert tickets, a VIP parking pass, hotel accommodations with the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, $200 cash, a golf cart for the day, and an Iowa State Fair Swag Bag.

The Iowan of the Day program, presented by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, recognizes outstanding Iowans who have made a positive difference in their communities through service, leadership, and dedication to others.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $220 million for the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.