Teen uncovers passion from late grandmother
Emcee Brad Rugg hugs Cindy Hokanson as her father Jerry Katzung holds the plaque honoring Sharon Katzung, who was inducted into the Livestock Hall of Fame at the Steele County Fair last week. Sharon delivered a lifetime of volunteer work to different organizations before she died in 2015. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
-Jace Katzung, Referring to Hall of Fame Grandma
Jace Katzung could never really pinpoint the driving force behind his heavy involvement in livestock organizations throughout his childhood.
But after last week’s Livestock Hall of Fame ceremony, things became much clearer for the Owatonna teenager.
As his grandmother, Sharon Katzung, was inducted into the Livestock Hall of Fame, Jace Katzung finally realized where he got his passion.
“I was never really old enough to know what she did,” Jace Katzung said. He was 11 years old when she died in 2015.
“It’s her pushing me down the right path from heaven,” he said after the ceremony. “She is still pushing me along.”
Sharon’s daughter, Cindy Hokanson, read a long list of accomplishments as she accepted the honor along with her father, Jerry Katzung.
Sharon devoted 30 years to promoting pork on local, state and national levels. She was heavily involved in Steele County Porkettes and the Minnesota State Porkettes where she served as president. She was chairperson of the Minnesota State Pork Queen program.
Her passion for young people and livestock carried over to the 4-H and FFA programs. She was a leader of the Record Busters 4-H Club for many years.
“It’s a great honor,” said Jerry Katzung. “It means a lot to me and the family.”
The other Livestock Hall of Fame inductee for service was Dr. Tony Seykora, a college professor with the University of Minnesota. He researched genetics of dairy cattle health and fitness traits, resulting in more than 100 published papers, abstracts and press articles. He has also authored a book, “Practical Techniques for Dairy Farmers,” used by colleges and tech schools and translated into several foreign languages.
The ceremony was extra special for Jace Katzung as he received a couple honors prior to his late grandmother being recognized. Jace was given the State FFA Proficiency award and the Robert Chladek Scholarship by the 761 Foundation.
Instead of being involved in sports, Jace Katzung dedicated his teenage years prior to graduating last spring to 4-H, FFA and youth leadership. While Jace pointed out how he is “just a farm kid with a simple 3.0 GPA,” he noted how he’s racked up $8,000 in scholarships over the past year, more than most in his graduating class.
“It was kind of a coincidence that both of us were honored today,” said Jace Katzung, who plans to pursue a career as a high school teacher. “Looking back, I must have gotten her love of it with my genetics.”
Livestock Hall of Fame Awards
Hall of Fame: Sharon Katzung and Dr. Tony Seykora
Farm Family of the Year: Mike and Marsha Dinse Family
Century Farms: Jeff and Carla Bruessel, Albert G. and Margaret Rysavy and Jean Hensrud
Soil and Water Conservation: Pat and Kimberly Smith, Gene and Patricia Keller and Tom and Ramona Moore
American FFA Degree: Madison Jaster and Wyatt Garten
State FFA Proficiency: Lynn Larson, Dylan Heiderschidt, Natalie Matejcek, Ann Fox, Evan Melby and Jace Katzung
State FFA Degree: Lynn Larson, Emily Kappes, Natalie Matejcek, Anna Fox, Evan Melby and Jace Katzung