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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF M. EUGENE ZEUSKE'S 95TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. MIKE GALLAGHER
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 24, 2019
Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor M. Eugene Zeuske
of Shawano, Wisconsin on celebrating his 95th birthday. One of 5
children whose grandparents immigrated from Norway and Germany, Gene
was born at home and raised on the family dairy farm along the banks of
the Wolf River in Waupaca County.
Gene was a hard worker. He worked endlessly on the farm and still
found time to graduate from Clintonville High School. He began working
``off the farm,'' performing a number of jobs for the Four Wheel Drive
in Clintonville.
Gene served our country in the Army Airforce Corps during World War
II, stationed at Sheppard Air Force base in Texas. Last year, he was
one of four WWII Veterans on his Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.
His love of dairy farms was a natural springboard when he worked for
Midwest Breeders in Shawano, and later as the Langlade County
representative with the Farm Bureau. There, in Antigo, he met Viola
Ourada, who became his wife of 68 years until her passing in 2018. Gene
and Vi transferred to Waupaca County with Farm Bureau, finally moving
to Shawano where they were licensed insurance agents. Together, they
owned and grew their agency over the next 30 years and were recognized
with many awards for their success.
Gene followed the path of public service started by his grandfather
who had served in the state legislature, county and town board, and his
mother, a teacher and member of the school board.
Gene served decades in appointed positions. He was appointed by the
Mayor as commissioner of the Shawano Police and Fire Commission,
Shawano Municipal Utilities, and a founding commissioner of Badger
Power Marketing Authority. Gene was elected as a county delegate to the
Wisconsin Conservation Congress for over twenty years and was the
county representative to the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission for four Governors.
Gene believes in giving back to the community, and he organized the
first United Way campaign for Shawano, served as co-chair; he rebuilt
and reopened the Shawano Lake Gun Club; he was an active member of
Shawano Jaycees, Shawano Lions Club, VFW and adult leader for the Boy
Scouts of America.
Gene has been a loyal and active member of the Shawano County
Republican Party for over the last 60 years, winning many awards at the
local and state levels for his unwavering dedication.
Gene still lives in his home in Shawano on the Wolf River channel and
remains active as an Amsoil dealer and works his farmland next to his
childhood home. Always the avid hunter and fisherman, Gene purchased
and rebuilt a century old fishing cabin in Canada where he continues to
visit several times a year.
Celebrating Gene's birthday are his friends and family; 3 children
and their spouses, Todd (Terry), Candee Arndt (Ray), and Cathy Gard
(John), 7 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in
applauding Gene Zeuske for his many years of public service and
volunteerism, and wish him a happy and healthy 95th birthday.
____________________