Board Member Doug Radke inducted into the IRWA Hall of Fame

Radke inducted into the IRWA Hall of Fame

The Iowa Rural Water Association (IRWA) is pleased to announce that Doug Radke with the Cherokee County Rural Water District Number 1 has been inducted into the IRWA Hall of Fame.  Mr. Radke was presented this honor during the Iowa Rural Water Association’s 50^th Annual Conference held at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center February 10-12 in Des Moines, Iowa.

This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to IRWA either legislatively or in other capacities such as service to the IRWA Board, and/or active participation in IRWA committees and other functions.  With nearly 40 years of service to the water industry, Doug Radke, was elected to the Cherokee Rural Water Board of directors back in June of 1987. During that time, Doug served as President for 21 years from 1996-2017. Doug and his wife, Barb, farm south of Aurelia and have raised four children and those four children given 12 grandchildren.  Doug’s service to his community aside from Rural Water has been extensive to say the least.  The list is long but to name a few, Doug has served on several church boards, he was a member of both the Cherokee County Cattlemen and the Pork Producers. A past school board member and Diamond Township clerk.  He also served as a board member for the Aurelia First Trust & Savings Bank.  Moving on to more Rural Water accomplishments, Doug played a major role in the help of refinancing Cherokee Rural Water’s Federal Government Loans to the Omaha Bank of Cooperatives, better known as CoBank. Many, many infrastructure projects for Cherokee Rural Water have taken place during Doug’s tenure.  Cherokee Rural Water has seen growth of 57% while Doug has been on the board and this service has made impactful changes to hundreds of people’s lives. Doug also joined the Iowa Rural Water Board of Directors back in 2016 and has served as Secretary since 2019. He has been an active and engaged member, always willing to speak up and offer input.

For his dedication and leadership in the industry, the Iowa Rural Water Association is proud to take this opportunity to honor Doug Radke for his many years of service.