Kibbie made the Midwest better

Sen. Jack Kibbie was a man of integrity who led by example. His legacy of leadership for family farm agriculture and rural Iowa was one we can all be proud of. A group of Midwest legislators formed a bipartisan coalition during the huge drop of agriculture prices in 1997. Hogs went to 8 cents and cattle down in the 20s hundredweight.

Jack was a member of our group. He stood up time and again for what was best for Iowa and the Midwest. He did so not by bullying but by cooperation. Jack helped pass state and national legislation favorable to agriculture.

In the spring of 1998, our group did a national press conference on the lawn of our nation's capital. Jack was a key presenter. His common sense and low key efforts struck a chord with the media and national legislators in securing passage of key bills. Sen. Kibbie was also a stalwart supporter of ethanol and the ethanol industry.

So many stories to tell. He was truly a great individual who put others first. Sincere sympathy to his family and thank you for sharing him with the people of his district and all Iowa. Please know that he made Emmetsburg, his legislative district, all of Iowa, the Midwest and our nation a better place to live, raise a family, work, play and retire in.

Frank Kloucek

Retired South Dakota Legislator