03/07/2026
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Sara Hunter — daughter, sister, and aunt.
Over the next few days, our family will be spending time together as we honor Sara.
Some of you may not have known Sara personally, but she was very much part of our farm and family. Sara loved cattle and especially the rhythm of calving season. In the early days of Recknor Cattle, she spent many hours in the barn helping with sale cattle. This past busy holiday season, she helped make sure we had the coolers on hand so beef could be shipped out to many of you across the country.
Sara had a kind spirit, a creative eye, and a deep love for the cattle industry and the people in it. She was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. She adored being an aunt to Rylan and took great joy in supporting the next generation of cattle exhibitors.
While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace. We like to think she has the very best seat in the stands — watching Rylan show cattle and serving as her guardian angel.
Thank you to our customers and community who have always supported our family and farm. We appreciate your prayers for our family during this time.
Sara’s obituary is shared below.
Sara Kristine Hunter, 41, of Belmond, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Sara was born June 26, 1984, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Pete and Cindy Hunter. She was raised in Belmond, Iowa, where she grew up surrounded by family, cattle, and the agricultural community that would shape her lifelong passions.
Sara graduated from Belmond-Klemme High School and went on to attend Iowa State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree. She later completed her MBA through the University of Phoenix.
From an early age, Sara developed a deep love for cattle and the livestock industry, particularly the Shorthorn breed. She dedicated much of her time to supporting youth in agriculture. Sara served on the American Junior Shorthorn Association Board, including serving as President, where she helped guide and mentor junior members across the country. She later continued that commitment as an advisor to the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association, helping lead junior activities at the Iowa Beef Expo and encouraging the next generation of cattle exhibitors.
Sara began her professional career with the Iowa Cattlemen's Association before joining Vermeer Corporation, where she played a role in developing and launching the company’s presence at Iowa State University. Through that work, she collaborated with the Ames Chamber, advised student groups, and traveled internationally representing Vermeer.
Over the past few years, Sara courageously battled cancer. During this time, she continued doing what she loved—working with animals and supporting her community through her work at local veterinary clinics, including Britt Vet Clinic and Holmes Vet Clinic.
Sara had a creative eye and a love for photography, often capturing special moments and memories. She was also the creative mind behind the marketing and photography for Cyclone Trace Cattle Company. Outside of work, Sara enjoyed country music, cheering on Iowa State basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
Sara will especially be remembered for her kindness and thoughtful spirit. She loved surprising others with small gifts and simple gestures of care, including delivering May Day flowers to brighten someone’s day.
One of Sara’s greatest joys in life was being an aunt to her niece, Rylan. She treasured their time together—making crafts and holiday ornaments, baking brownies, and more recently playing with Rylan and her dog, Rosie. Those moments meant the world to her.
Sara is survived by her parents, Pete and Cindy Hunter of Britt, Iowa; her sister and brother-in-law, Ashley and Jess Recknor of Britt, Iowa; her beloved niece, Rylan Recknor; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Benjamin and Mabel Barkema and Doc and Evelyn Hunter.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Home in Britt, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Reformed Church in Belmond, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Junior Shorthorn Foundation or the Iowa Junior Shorthorn Association in Sara’s honor.
