Iowa's millionaires: List of every lottery jackpot winner since 1985
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Updated: 1:50 PM CDT Mar 28, 2025
Iowa's millionaires: List of every lottery jackpot winner since 1985
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Updated: 1:50 PM CDT Mar 28, 2025
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Now Lauren picked up her her uh ticket at Casey's in Redfield, Iowa, and I'm gonna do one more thing here, Lauren and I'm gonna let you just take the stage and tell us your story on what happened. So ladies and gentlemen, one more time, Lauren West. Good morning and thank you for being here. Um, I have been extremely blessed to win this big Powerball. This will forever change my life, and I will use this opportunity to impact others. I grew up in *** in small town Earla, Iowa, very humble family. Uh, my father was ***, *** Vietnam veteran and *** retired welder. My mother was *** stay at home mom. Um Like my brothers and sisters, most of them before me, and after me when I was 14, I started detasseling and walking beans so that I could earn money to buy my school clothes and, and to help with the family and um. At the age of 17, I left high school, and at the age of 19, I earned my GED. Soon after that I started my family. I have 3 awesome beautiful daughters. Um, as *** single mom, I worked full time. I went to school full time at nights and weekends, and my daughters had to sacrifice *** lot for that. And they, the love and the support that I got from them was so, so appreciated as much as the love and support that I got from many family and friends. Um, My girls and I used to dream of winning the lottery. Never thought we would be here today. Um, I played the lottery twice *** week. When I had the money to do it. The most I had ever won to this point was $150. Friday, October 26th, started out like most other days only it was kind of special for me because I bought my first home. Uh, I bought *** home in Redfield, Iowa. And I was moving that day and um around noonish, the movers had, had left, my son-in-law had left and uh my sister was coming up to help me pack. And um I said to her when she got there, I'm, I'm really hungry and I need coffee. Can you, can you please take me to Casey's so I can get *** slice of pizza and some coffee. And so her and I, um, she took me in her vehicle because mine was full of moving stuff and um, her and I went to Casey's in Redfield and. And she got *** coffee. I got *** copy and I got *** slice of pizza and, and I said, Oh yeah, can I get my lottery tickets? And so I got my lottery tickets and we went back out to her truck and I just kind of set those down um at the foot in my purse or so I thought, and didn't think of them again until Sunday morning. When *** friend, um, I, I, I needed to go let her dogs out or her dog because she was out of town and she sent me *** text and she said, did you win the lottery? And um, so I called her because I was driving and I said. I, I said I haven't had *** chance. I said, did somebody from Iowa win the lottery? And she says, Uh, yeah, she said somebody from Iowa and somebody from New York and, and I said, well, I haven't had *** chance to check my tickets yet. Um, I'll check them when I get to your house and I got to her house. I let her dog out and um went to check my tickets and they weren't in my purse and um at that point I thought they're somewhere they're probably in my house in my moving mess because I haven't even unpacked yet. And um, so I called my sister and I said. You know, I just talked to Andrea and Andrea said somebody won the lottery and she said, Funny you should mention that your tickets are in my truck. And so, so I said, Well, the Powerball's 4. Can you go outside and check my tickets for me? And she went outside and she says, Oh my God, Lauren, the Powerball is 4. OK, whatever. And she, she says no, really. And I said, well, send me *** picture and so she sent me *** picture and I, I put those numbers into the IA lottery.com. Did you win? And um. When you, when you get numbers right, they show up in red. Well, nothing showed up in red because I had the wrong date in there. I, I put the correct date in and it was red, red, red, red, red, red jackpot and I thought I've done something wrong again. And it took me about *** minute going back and forth to figure out that that I had won and I said to my sister, get that ticket, get in your truck and get up here now and drive slow. And um so then I called my daughter and I, I told her that uh I needed her to come out because I think I won the the lottery and oh OK, she says, but nobody believed me so. The most important thing that that we're all here for is to to figure out what I'm gonna do with the money. And I want you to know that as I stand here today. I know the responsibility that I have to do good with this money. And my life has changed forever. I plan to make thoughtful and responsible decisions on giving to my friends, my family, and, um, setting up so that my grandchildren will all have *** college education. And to help others, I have established the Callum Foundation. It's Callumfoundation.org. Um, we've established that foundation so that we can determine who best to help and how we can help them. Um But what am I personally gonna do for myself with this money? What's the first thing I'm gonna buy? You're gonna buy *** car. Currently I drive *** Ford Fiesta that people have just beat up when I'm not in it and it's got 142,000 miles on it and um I'm gonna get *** car big enough that I can take all my grandchildren places now. So Thank you very much. We'll entertain *** few questions from the media. Any questions? Are you going to take the lump sum or how are you going? I'm taking the lump sum. The question was, are you planning to take the lump sum, and that is *** yes, yes. What was going through your head when you figured out that you won? What kind of thoughts? The question is what was going through your head when you figured out that you had won, Lorraine? Um, first, I was in disbelief and then I had the reaction of I don't want anything to do with it. And um You know, it's, it's taken, it's taken *** while to get used to the thought of, of the whole new dynamic that my life is going to be. And do you consider yourself lucky. I do consider myself very lucky, very lucky and very blessed. I would say we had *** chance to talk with folks in Redfield prior to you coming forward, and they said, I hope this person is from Redfield and gives back to the town of Redfield. So the question was they were out interviewing some folks in Redfield, Iowa and wondered they were all saying, I hope that at some point this sounds like this foundation will be able to do that. So yes, I've set up the Callum Foundation as well as, you know, I'm going to take some time and make some very thoughtful, very deliberate donations and decisions on where those will go. But probably the best uh is to to find out information and that just went up I believe at 11 o'clock. That's in your press information. Next question. Yes. Do you plan on continuing to live in Redfield, Iowa? Um, you know, I'll, I'll repeat the question for you. The question is that that she can she will she continue to live in Iowa. Um, so, As I stated, my life has changed, and I'm going to take *** little bit to figure out what my new normal is, but I want to assure you that I never want to forget where I came from. What is your occupation is the question. So currently I'm retired. As of *** week ago today, I'm retired, but I, I worked for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as *** procurement analyst. Another question. Did you have *** strategy at all? You said you played twice *** week. Is there any strategy? So the question is, did you have *** strategy when you played Powerball or any of the lottery games? No, I have no strategy. My, my thought process was always that if I was meant to win, I would win it. in Iowa. Let's talk about your family is the question. How many kids? And I believe we even have *** very special senior guest here today. I have, um, I have my mother who still lives in Iowa. I do have 7 brothers and sisters. I have 3 daughters and I have 6 grandchildren. Are, are those folks over there? Um, the friends and family, yeah. And my mom's right over here in the front row. Mom, we're not gonna ask you. If you wanna give it, you can give it *** little later, right? Also in the audience I see over here Mike Richardson, who is *** senior VP of marketing for, uh, Casey's. Nice to have you here and of course lots of other dignitaries and folks here. In fact, uh, uh, we talked to the Lois this morning who were the, uh. Largest used to be the largest winner in Iowa. You now have become that uh distinction and they obviously wish you the best of luck and all of the all of the goodwill there. I appreciate that. You said you said you dreamt of this. How does the dreaming about it match the reality? Totally different, you know, when when we would dream about it, I would get all frivolous and I would have *** whole lineup of cars that I was going to buy and that's not the case anymore. All of *** sudden, you know, once you have once you have one and you realize the responsibility and um. You know, just the impact that you can make. All frivolity goes out the window. It's, it's, um, you know, I started thinking more of who I'm going to help and, and my stuff has been *** sort of an afterthought to me. You also, uh, we, we preach this *** lot when we know we have *** big winner of what to do. You seem to already have planned what you were going to do if you want to talk about the planning that you did prior to coming here today. So prior to coming here today, one of the first calls that I made was to my brother, and he's an attorney, and although he can't represent me, he he found me representation immediately and my attorney Mark Ward pulled together an excellent team. Um, between my wealth managers, my CPAs, my, um, my PR reps, um, just people who have surrounded me and, um, been great advisors and helped me through this and helped to make sure that uh the things that that are going to happen with this money are are in the best interest of me and um to make sure that that um it's going to last me *** lifetime. Yes, the Callum Foundation. C *** L L U M. So the question is what is the foundation that's set up and he might talk *** little about it. So the Callum Foundation is set up in honor of *** grandson of mine who was born in April and he was born in 24 weeks and he lived for one day. And so that foundation is to honor him and to do good for others. Catch my breath here. Any other questions? Did you pick your own numbers you pick your own numbers or was it *** quick? I did not pick my own numbers. It was an easy pick and I picked the power play with it. One last question. This is pretty emotional for you. Has been so you're still processing it. Any it still emotional any fun stories when you told family or friends? Just nobody ever believed me. Not at all. They thought I was crazy starting with my daughter. Well, it's always official when we actually get to put the big check up in front and take *** picture. What do you say we do that? All right, let's go over here. We'll take. Yeah Right Here behind us, let's get right up here, right in the middle, in the middle, right down here. Let's get everybody around us here. Come on, we'll come around. We'll come around. There's gonna be confetti just *** second, just *** second. Ladies and gentlemen, the largest, the biggest, and another millionaire, Lauren West from Redfield, Iowa. Very good. I think we're gonna take some more pictures with family. Thank you very much everyone for coming. Have *** great day. Oh no.
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Iowa's millionaires: List of every lottery jackpot winner since 1985
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Updated: 1:50 PM CDT Mar 28, 2025
This year marks 40 years since a Council Bluffs man became Iowa's first lottery millionaire. The Iowa Lottery opened for business in August 1985, and it was in November that year when Bill Watson, a 29-year-old firefighter, claimed a $4 million prize in the "Wheel Spin" game.Since Watson cashed in, lottery players in Iowa have claimed nearly 200 prizes of at least $1 million. That includes Lerynne West, of Redfield, whose $343 million Powerball jackpot is Iowa's largest prize ever. Video above from 2018: Lerynne West claims Iowa's largest lottery jackpotLIST: Winners of every Iowa lottery jackpot of $1 million or moreSource: Iowa Lottery$343,900,000 (Powerball): Lerynne West, Redfield; Nov. 5, 2018$241,000,000 (Powerball): The Shipping 20, Cedar Rapids; June 20, 2012$202,100,000 (Powerball): KJH Family LLC, Bondurant; Oct. 4, 2012$200,800,000 (Powerball): Timothy B Guderian Trust, Fort Dodge; Oct. 11, 2006$113,200,000 (Powerball): Hugh Hawkins, Des Moines; Jan. 4, 2006$40,030,000 (Lotto America): Earl Lape, Dubuque; April 10, 2023$31,800,000 (Powerball): Hasken Family Trust, Sabula; Jan. 24, 2000$28,000,000 (Powerball): Timothy E Schultz Revocable Trust, Des Moines; March 8, 1999$19,970,000 (Hot Lotto): John Hall, Indianola; Feb. 6, 2007$19,640,000 (Lotto America): Allen & Roice Earles Trust, Maquoketa; March 21, 1990$14,400,000 (Powerball): Jacquelyn Moore, Omaha, Neb.; Nov. 1, 2004$13,620,000 (Lotto America): Vandeboe-Elsinga Sep Ownership Agreement, Norwalk; Dec. 3, 1988$10,525,000 (Lucky Day): Lucky Trust One, Council Bluffs; April 27, 1994$10,180,000 (Iowa Lotto): David Rust, Iowa City; April 25, 1990$9,500,000 (Iowa Lotto): Stephen Hymer, Des Moines; May 6, 1989$9,090,000 (Hot Lotto): Larry Dawson, Webster City; May 9, 2011$7,540,000 (Hot Lotto): Wally Markham, Waterloo; Nov. 9, 2011$7,280,000 (Lotto America): Halvo Trust, Vermillion, S.D.; Jan. 27, 1990$7,240,000 (Lotto America): Madonna Swartz, Cumming; Aug. 27, 1988$6,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Connie Jo Morrill, Des Moines; Oct. 10, 1987$5,800,000 (Iowa Lotto): Patzig Lottery Trust No 1, Des Moines; Jan. 16, 1988$5,750,000 (Lucky For Life): Shelby L Willis, Des Moines; Nov. 13, 2024$5,725,000 (Iowa Lotto): Barbara Withers, Omaha, Neb.; July 15, 1992$5,400,000 (Iowa Lotto): Dianne Jones, Des Moines; Nov. 2, 1988$5,221,937 (Powerball): Edward Brown, Washington; Jan. 7, 1993$5,100,000 (Iowa Lotto): Peggy Voss, Lake Park; May 14, 1988$5,000,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Larry Hawbaker, Dallas Center; April 16, 1987$4,575,000 (Iowa Lotto): Reimers Wagoner, Omaha, Neb.; April 14, 1993$4,480,000 (Iowa Lotto): Richard Hildreth, Des Moines; June 20, 1990$4,380,000 (Lotto America): Chuck Anderson, Davenport; May 10, 2018$4,160,000 (Iowa Lotto): Barbara Mickelson, Solon; July 3, 1991$4,001,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Bill Watson, Council Bluffs; Nov. 14, 1985$3,600,000 (Hot Lotto): Darlene Becker, Dubuque; Aug. 8, 2002$3,500,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Linda Parker, Mc Gregor; Sept. 18, 1986$3,400,000 (Iowa Lotto): Mcgang Trust, Vermillion, S.D.; Feb. 27, 1988$3,375,000 (Iowa Lotto): Rex Anderson, Rose Hill; Dec. 5, 1992$3,320,000 (Iowa Lotto): Jerry Habraken, Omaha, Neb.; Jan. 6, 1990$3,120,000 (Iowa Lotto): Haas Trust, Harlan; Oct. 13, 1990$3,020,000 (Iowa Lotto): John Fields, Thurman; March 30, 1988$3,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Town & Country Trust, Des Moines; June 10, 1989$3,000,000 (Lotto America): John Dean Flanery, Guthrie Center; Feb. 20, 1988$2,980,000 (Iowa Lotto): John Slyter, Davenport; Sept. 30, 1989$2,880,000 (Iowa Lotto): George Hunt, Cedar Rapids; Oct. 23, 1991$2,800,000 (Iowa Lotto): Jerry Stacy, Webster City; July 10, 1993$2,800,000 (Iowa Lotto): William Ryan, Panora; Aug. 9, 1989$2,700,000 (Hot Lotto): Donald Sporrer, Denison; Jan. 13, 2003$2,700,000 (Iowa Lotto): Michael Frost, La Porte City; Nov. 26, 1988$2,660,000 (Iowa Lotto): Verla Hart, West Des Moines; Aug. 13, 1988$2,640,000 (Iowa Lotto): Ronald Lee Hintch, Hampton; Dec. 1, 1990$2,477,902 (Iowa Lotto): George Hielen, Council Bluffs; Jun. 7, 1986$2,420,000 (Iowa Lotto): Carol Rivas, Des Moines; April 10, 1991$2,320,000 (Iowa Lotto): Kurt Nicholson, Indianola; Dec. 21, 1988$2,307,959 (Super Cash Lotto): William Winter, Ankeny; May 13, 1996$2,300,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Agnes Goecke, Spencer; Oct. 15, 1987$2,250,000 (Iowa Lotto): Glenna Dahnke, Coralville; July 13, 1988$2,250,000 (Iowa Lotto): Gary Oswald, Prairie Du Chien, Wisc.; July 13, 1988$2,240,000 (Iowa Lotto): Marlene Boeckman, Frederika; Feb. 16, 1991$2,000,000 (Powerball): Mark Krogman, Clinton; April 16, 2024$2,000,000 (Powerball): Danny Buckelew, Treynor; Jan. 17, 2024$2,000,000 (Powerball): Megan Balmer, Garwin; July 11, 2023$2,000,000 (Powerball): Tammy Gordy, Ottumwa; June 26, 2023$2,000,000 (Powerball): Tamara Sheehan, Forest City; Nov. 18, 2022$2,000,000 (Mega Millions): Benjamin Sanford, Davenport; Aug. 26, 2022$2,000,000 (Powerball): Karla Elenz, New Hampton; Jan. 13, 2022$2,000,000 (Powerball): Anton Garrett, Waterloo; May 21, 2021$2,000,000 (Powerball): Rob Maser, Urbandale; May 16, 2019$2,000,000 (Powerball): Lisa Hays, Montmouth, Ill.; Feb. 18, 2019$2,000,000 (Powerball): Jeff Wolf, Iowa City; April 27, 2017$2,000,000 (Powerball): Karl Krumbholz, Cedar Rapids; March 17, 2017$2,000,000 (Powerball): Bryon Stewart, Onawa; Jan. 14, 2016$2,000,000 (Powerball): Duane Hanson, Osage; Aug. 28, 2014$2,000,000 (Powerball): Don Johnson, Decorah; June 26, 2013$2,000,000 (Powerball): Michael Lally, Barnes City; March 25, 2013$2,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Richard Clevenger, Columbus Junction; July 5, 1989$1,940,000 (Iowa Lotto): Keith Davis, Perry; Feb. 18, 1989$1,920,000 (Iowa Lotto): Thomas Lukehart, South Sioux City, Neb.; Jan. 31, 1987$1,900,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Allen Slaver, Janesville; Jan. 28, 1988$1,890,000 (Hot Lotto): Moses Bittok, West Des Moines; Sept. 26, 2005$1,825,000 (Super Cash Lotto): Charles Gries, Sioux City; Dec. 12, 1994$1,800,000 (Lucky Day): Strong Finish Trust, Des Moines; June 15, 1994$1,787,651 (Iowa Lotto): Kolma Ingalls, Wilton; Aug. 30, 1986$1,700,000 (Iowa Lotto): Jim Luchtenburg, Waverly; Sept. 2, 1992$1,650,000 (Hot Lotto): Danny Good, Des Moines; Jan. 5, 2004$1,640,000 (Iowa Lotto): Robert Lesandrini, Kieler, Wisc.; Jan. 11, 1992$1,600,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Ray Buscher, New Hampton; May 14, 1987$1,540,000 (Iowa Lotto): James Rasmussen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Jan. 2, 1991$1,500,000 (Iowa Lotto): David Rosenberg, Omaha, Neb.; Aug. 31, 1988$1,500,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Alice Heim, Manson; Jan. 23, 1986$1,460,000 (Iowa Lotto): Marlene Larson, Dubuque; Oct. 24, 1987$1,410,931 (Super Cash Lotto): William Jerome Swoboda, Des Moines; April 17, 1995$1,400,000 (Iowa Lotto): George Walker, Fort Dodge; Oct. 18, 1989$1,300,000 (Hot Lotto): Todd Brobston, Fort Madison; Nov. 17, 2003$1,252,314 (Super Cash Lotto): Michael Miehe, Waterloo; Dec. 30, 1996$1,212,161 (Super Cash Lotto): Roger Bartels, Durango; May 12, 1998$1,200,000 (Iowa Lotto): Joseph Alcorn, Ankeny; Feb. 26, 1992$1,200,000 (Iowa Lotto): Janice Pedersen, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Nov. 4, 1989$1,200,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Sue Ripperger, Atlantic; April 3, 1986$1,199,880 (Iowa Lotto): Gladys Spoon, Lucas; July 19, 1986$1,165,734 (Super Cash Lotto): Jerry Hatch, West Des Moines; Nov. 27, 1995$1,120,000 (Iowa Lotto): Fannie Lind, Ottumwa; June 13, 1987$1,120,000 (Iowa Lotto): Marvin Van Kirk, Bancroft, Neb.; June 13, 1987$1,100,000 (Iowa Lotto): Miles Cunningham, Humboldt; July 20, 1991$1,100,000 (Iowa Lotto): Herman Givant, Des Moines; Aug. 22, 1990$1,040,000 (Easy Street): Heidi Trembly, Sioux City; Nov. 28, 1995$1,040,000 (Easy Street): Patrick McDonald, Grinnell; June 22, 1995$1,012,129 (Super Cash Lotto): Sharon Melver, Cresco; Aug. 7, 1995$1,000,000 (Powerball): Lynne Kannuan Living Trust, Webster City; Sept. 18, 2024$1,000,000 (Powerball): Trenton Baker, Newton; April 8, 2024$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Michael Hoogerwerf, Davenport; July 17, 2023$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Randy Ferriss & Colton Snyder, Nevada; April 20, 2023$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Marla Ballard, Des Moines; March 16, 2023$1,000,000 (Powerball): Daryl Ingram, Mapleton; Oct. 22, 2022$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Tad Alber, West Union; Aug. 23, 2022$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Joshua Buster, West Burlington; April 18, 2022$1,000,000 (Million $ Summer): Susan Blazek, Delhi; Aug. 31, 2021$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Karen Kramer, Urbana; June 10, 2021$1,000,000 (Powerball): Shane Saxen, Correctionville; March 2, 2020$1,000,000 (Powerball): Timothy Harless, Eldora; Dec. 19, 2019$1,000,000 (Woo Hoo A Million): The Dream Big Team, Cedar Rapids; June 24, 2019$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Angelica Chavez, Sioux City; April 22, 2019$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Danny Lovett, East Moline, Ill.; Feb. 4, 2019$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Robert Hollenback, Milan, Ill.; Nov. 8, 2018$1,000,000 (Powerball): George Dickerson, Colfax; Jan. 5, 2018$1,000,000 (Powerball): Karen Harger, Glenwood; Dec. 19, 2017$1,000,000 (Powerball): Vicki Dixon, Allen, Texas; Aug. 14, 2017$1,000,000 (Powerball): Jeff Tomlinson Jr, Coralville; Oct. 7, 2016$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Rick Breuss Jr, West Des Moines; July 18, 2016$1,000,000 (Powerball): Joel Dominguez, Sioux City; Jan. 11, 2016$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Mike Hartman, Winfield; Nov. 23, 2015$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Betty Downs, Burlington; Nov. 23, 2015$1,000,000 (Powerball): Richard & Elizabeth Martin, Pleasant Hill; Sept. 21, 2015$1,000,000 (Powerball): Brian Delagardelle, Jesup; Aug. 17, 2015$1,000,000 (Powerball): Pete Kemp, Des Moines; May 18, 2015$1,000,000 (Powerball): Friedel & Michele Djordjevic, Johnston; Jan. 23, 2015$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Stephen, Marsha & Craig Bevis, Johnston; Aug. 18, 2014$1,000,000 (Powerball): Richard Watson, Belton, Mo.; May 19, 2014$1,000,000 (Powerball): Robert Winburn, Urbandale; Feb. 18, 2014$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Arturo Hernandez, West Des Moines; Jan. 9, 2014$1,000,000 (Powerball): Debra & Dave Schilling, Sheldon; Oct. 7, 2013$1,000,000 (Powerball): Kara Fitters, Evansville, Wisc.; Oct. 18, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Mark Evans, Des Moines; Oct. 10, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Tom Christeson, Webster City; Sept. 4, 2012$1,000,000 (Mystery Millionaire): Dean Stuhr, Des Moines; Aug. 19, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Winning Pair Revocable Trust, Council Bluffs; June 1, 2012$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Dennis Ryzner, Rock Island, Ill.; May 14, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Faye Slate, Council Bluffs; April 3, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Jack Miletich, Ottumwa; March 14, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Gary Higens, Des Moines; March 1, 2012$1,000,000 (Powerball): Steve Petty, Adair; Feb. 20, 2012$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Ashley Smrcina, North Muskegon, Mich.; Jan. 12, 2012$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Dick Clark, Eldon; Dec. 13, 2011$1,000,000 (Powerball): Esteban & Linda Ramos, East Moline, Ill.; Nov. 28, 2011$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Ken Booth, Palo; July 14, 2011$1,000,000 (Powerball): Chad & Mary Tillman, Boone; June 8, 2011$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Pat Herman, Mason City; May 27, 2011$1,000,000 (Powerball): Eric Shaffer, Marion; March 10, 2011$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Aenoi Phetxoumphone, Webster City; Feb. 7, 2011$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Lonnie Sandberg, Mason City; Oct. 1, 2010$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Robert Stewart II, Aurelia; July 22, 2010$1,000,000 (Powerball): Rolle Zellers & Keith Olson, Sioux City; June 21, 2010$1,000,000 (Lifetime Riches): Richard Koenigsfeld, Marble Rock; April 26, 2010$1,000,000 (Mega Millions): Robert Boehm, Denison; April 20, 2010$1,000,000 (Powerball): David Lyons, Des Moines; April 6, 2010$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Sorin Ganea, Dubuque; Feb. 8, 2010$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Richard Bauder, Ankeny; Jan. 14, 2010$1,000,000 (Powerball): The Local 310 Ten, Des Moines; Oct. 12, 2009$1,000,000 (Powerball): Richard Smith, Des Moines; Oct. 7, 2009$1,000,000 (Powerball): Hog Hut Friends, Chariton; Aug. 21, 2009$1,000,000 (Powerball): Ricky Rushton, Marshalltown; Feb. 24, 2009$1,000,000 (Powerball): Susan Hendricks, Marion; Dec. 22, 2008$1,000,000 (Raffle): Kimberly Edwards, Pleasant Hill; June 18, 2008$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Michael Price, Bussey; March 10, 2008$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Nicholas Meyer, Lake Benton, Minn.; Jan. 24, 2008$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Larry Shupe, West Frankfort, Ill.; Nov. 26, 2007$1,000,000 (Set For Life): Martin Rodriguez, Davenport; July 23, 2007$1,000,000 (Thanks A Million): John Straight, Logan; Jan. 30, 2006$1,000,000 (Daily Millions): Ruth Miller, Nashua; June 11, 1997$1,000,000 (Daily Millions): Robert Marreel, Osage; Feb. 11, 1997$1,000,000 (Million Dollar Hand): Donald H Thorson, Forest City; Jan. 28, 1994$1,000,000 (Million Dollar Hand): Dennis D Miller, Bowler, Wisc.; Jan. 28, 1994$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Phyllis Snodgrass, Indianola; Nov. 20, 1991$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Bill Curnes, Madrid; Aug. 4, 1990$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Doris Rindels, Montezuma; July 14, 1990$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Yvonne Ann Heiberger, Dubuque; Aug. 19, 1989$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Tim Overton, Des Moines; Jan. 28, 1989$1,000,000 (Iowa Lotto): Beatrice Richardson, Baxter; Jan. 11, 1989$1,000,000 (Wheel Spin Show): Kara Schatz, West Union; July 21, 1988
DES MOINES, Iowa —
This year marks 40 years since a Council Bluffs man became Iowa's first lottery millionaire.
The Iowa Lottery opened for business in August 1985, and it was in November that year when Bill Watson, a 29-year-old firefighter, claimed a $4 million prize in the "Wheel Spin" game.
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Since Watson cashed in, lottery players in Iowa have claimed nearly 200 prizes of at least $1 million. That includes Lerynne West, of Redfield, whose $343 million Powerball jackpot is Iowa's largest prize ever.
