Erling Johannesen

Idaho native Erling Johannesen, Gem County Extension agent of 37 years and longtime supporter of 4-H, passed away in June 2010.

A 4-H member since grade school, Erling attended the University of Idaho. While in college, he worked as a janitor, tested cows in the UI barns and fed and cleaned hogs for the swine program, where he was paid $1 a day.

A born entrepreneur, Erling bought and sold numerous businesses over the years. Married at age 50, he and his wife were devoted to 4-H. The couple established the Erling and Amy Johannesen Endowment, which supports Idaho 4-H programs. Erling served for many years on the Friends of 4-H Endowment board, the board of the University of Idaho Foundation, and organized the 4-H Million Dollar Club. He was inducted in the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004.

Contributions in his memory may be made on our giving form; please search for the "Erling and Amy Johannesen 4-H Endowment."