Mary Garst

"Mary Garst is an example to men or women who aspire to the American ideals of family and professional success and personal warmth. She is exemplary. I can't say more."
—Victor Preisser, 1978

Mary Garst, a pioneer in the field of agriculture, is one of only a few women in the country to manage a cattle-breeding business. She is in charge of genetic selections, bull selections, nutritional programs, and cattle sales for the Garst Company in Coon Rapids. She has served as state director of the Iowa Beef Improvement Association and president of the Iowa Simmental Cattle Association. Garst serves on the boards of directors of the Chicago Federal Reserve, International Harvester, Burlington Northern Railroad, and Northwestern Bell Telephone. Her concern for women is shown through her involvement with the League of Women Voters in Iowa, Planned Parenthood of Iowa, and the Iowa Children's and Family Services. Garst was born in 1928. Garst was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1981.

UPDATE: Garst completed her term as president of the Iowa Civil Liberties Union in 1993 and has since completed her board terms for the Chicago Federal Reserve, International Harvester, Burlington Northern Railroad, and Northwestern Bell Telephone.