By TRISTAN JENSEN
Editorial Assistant
Amy Ihrke, of rural New Richland, was one of three new members elected to the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva School Board for a four-year term which began January 2, 2023.
Ihrke, daughter of Wayne Miller and Karren (Smith) Miller, grew up on the same New Richland farm where she now lives, having taken ownership in 2017 after the death of her father. Her mother now lives in New Richland. Amy married Mike Ihrke in 2004: They have two children: Jace, a tenth-grader at NRHEG, and Taytum. Taytum is married to Chad Erickson and has one child of her own, Ihrke's grandson Nolan. “My family is probably the most important thing to me,” she said. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her children and grandchildren, more so in the summer than the winter, traveling up north together. On the farm the Ihrkes raise cattle, but there is one named Ruby who Amy calls her “pet cow.” Ihrke and her family raised Ruby from infancy, which has given her a special place in Ihrke's heart.
After her graduation from NRHEG High School, Ihrke went to Rasmussen Business College. She spent some time working as an infant and toddler teacher in childcare facilities before opening a daycare which she operated for 19 years. More recently, she decided it was time for a change; she now serves “the other end” of the life cycle. After attending Des Moines Area Community College for a degree in Mortuary Science, she's now a funeral director at Bonnerup Funeral Services. Ihrke also formerly held a position on the New Richland City Council, but was ineligible to continue when she moved outside the city limits. She sought election to the school board to become more active in the community again. Ihrke says she might have done so earlier, but between school and a new career she didn't have the time and energy to devote to the position and do it well.
“I enjoy learning all kinds of things about everything,” Ihrke said about her interests. “I think we all probably have our specialties that we feel passionate about, based on our experiences and what we've learned. I enjoy conversations from all aspects.” Ihrke hopes people see her as happy and kind. “I like my community. I hope people know that about me,” she added. “I like where I come from.” Ihrke says she's an “open book,” not someone mysterious or full of surprises. “If you wanna know something about me – you can ask and I'll tell you.”
Regarding her position on the school board, Ihrke says, “People should know that I'm honored and excited. I'm eager to learn, to see what the school has been about, and what can develop. The world is changing, technology is expanding, and hopefully we're able to keep up with that and keep ahead of the game. I want to help make sure our kids and our community are ready for what comes after high school, because there's a lot out there.”