Gretna Van Fleet

County: HillsdaleSaginaw
Class Years: 2018
Title:
“During my 12 years as a 4-H member, I learned skills that helped me in my domestic career as a mother and in business. The skill I appreciate most is parliamentary procedure. Later in life as I served as chair or president of many committees, I had no fear of conducting a business meeting nor taking minutes as a secretary because those skills I learned in 4-H always stayed with me.”

Gretna Van Fleet has served in many roles throughout her lifetime. From being an office manager for Hillsdale and Saginaw County Farm Bureau branches to serving as secretary of Davis Jr. High School, Gretna has used her knowledge to assist farmers and youth by leading discussions, meetings and educational classes. Today, she owns and operates Antique Accents Bed and Breakfast out of her home. She is an experienced leader that is educated about agriculture and homemaking. Van Fleet is passionate about supporting local Farm Bureau groups and county 4-H programs, and sharing her gift of singing. She has been a part of, and directed, her church choir for over 50 years and has sung and acted in community choirs and theaters. She has held offices in local schools’ parent groups and has been chair of the pastor parish committee at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church (FUMC), president of the FUMC Women’s Club, treasurer and president of State Questers, active member and president of Frankenmuth Women’s Club and program chair for the district United Methodist Organization.

Never one to pass up an opportunity to help, Van Fleet has served 4-H members in three counties: Branch, Hillsdale and Saginaw. She has judged many county fair projects and is always willing to offer a helping hand to any 4-H member. As a youth, she exhibited cattle, sheep, sewing, cooking and canning projects and received several blue ribbons and leadership awards. She has passed on her skills and experiences she gained with these projects to her children and grandchildren who are active in 4-H today.

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