Merlyn Feddersen Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Merlyn Feddersen of Hartley as an Iowan of the Day for the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Feddersen is heavily involved in his church, Trinity United Church of Christ. Volunteering with the men's fellowship group, youth group and governing board, Feddersen is not afraid to do anything the church needs. Multiple times he was found waxing the hallway and fellowship floors when the custodians were out or on vacation.

"Mert's service to his church is one thing, but his service to the community through his work in Hartley's Lion's Club has earned him the service group's highest award (Lion of the Year). He's like the 'Energizer Bunny' and keeps going and going and going," said Trinity United Church of Christ pastor Jeff Filkins.

Not only has Feddersen earned awards from the Lion's Club, he also received the Community Service Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service. Feddersen served as the Mayor of Hartley for one term, and was a member of the United States Army from 1953-1955. He is involved with the Kiwanis Club, American Legion and also gives his time to the Hartley Emergency Ambulance and Rescue Team (HEART).

Feddersen's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 9 at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Feddersen will also receive a special introduction on August 9 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 $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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