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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SHERM OLSRUD
______
HON. GREG WALDEN
of oregon
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize and commend Mr.
Sherm Olsrud for his extensive community service and philanthropy
efforts in Rogue Valley and the rest of the southern Oregon region over
the last 40 years. Sherm passed away in May at the age of 95, survived
by his wife, Wanda, and their children. Today, I'd like to pay tribute
to Sherm's service to our nation and his commitment and generosity to
Oregonians in need.
Sherm's sense of duty and service began early in life when he left
North Dakota to serve as a United States Marine in the South Pacific
during World War II. Following the war, Sherm settled in Eugene, Oregon
and met his wife-to-be, Wanda, while working in his Uncle's restaurant.
They immediately fell in love and were happily married in February
1947.
Over the next decade, the couple's love and ambition would bring them
great success. Sherm used his GI Bill benefits to train as a meat
cutting apprentice and in 1958 he and Wanda would buy Wilson's Sausage
Kitchen establishing their first family business in Eugene. After
several years of building their small business they opened Eugene's
first all-day market in a new 10,000 square foot grocery store named
Sherm's 24 Hour Market.
With the resourcefulness, adaptability, and integrity of a United
States Marine he kept Sherm's running successfully for nearly ten more
years before selling the business in order to expand his business
throughout the southern Oregon. Sherm and Wanda built a family store
chain purchasing the old Thunderbird Market in Medford in 1967, the
Mayfair Market in Klamath Falls in 1974, the Bazaar department store in
Medford in 1977, the Food 4 Less franchise in 1985, and Food World in
Roseburg in 2000. They often worked more than 12 hours every day of the
week to maintain their vision while employing more than 600 people.
Sherm would also say ``the customer is still the boss, always has been
and always will be because the customer has a lot of options.''
Although his business accomplishments demonstrate a record of
success, none of it would have been possible without the distinguished
character and value system of the man himself. Sherm believed in
sharing the fruits of his success with those less fortunate in the
community by supporting programs to help them get back on their feet.
For instance, every year Sherm and Wanda donated nearly 50,000 pounds
of food and toiletry items to the Jackson County ACCESS community
assistance program.
Sherm has also supported fun educational programs for local children
and young adults. Sherm and Wanda generously donated to local programs
like Future Farmers of America, 4H Club, and Kids Unlimited, as well
maintaining Bear Creek Park, building a $20,000 fence for McLoughlin
Middle School, and covering ticket costs for all children twelve and
under for the Jackson County Fair. Even upon receiving a share of a
winning Powerball ticket he sold, he quickly donated the funds to two
local elementary schools. Well known as a sports enthusiast, Sherm was
able to bring the Portland Trail Blazers to Kids Unlimited to play ball
with the children.
Additionally, Sherm always believed that pursuing higher education is
foundational for the well-being and success of communities. Sherm would
say, ``As time goes by, our society demands educated people. Our
country needs educated people.'' Therefore, he and Wanda established a
series of scholarship funds to promote education and help students in
financial need. These include The Sherm and Wanda Olsrud Scholarship
Fund and The Olsrud 4H and FFA Scholarship Fund that offer renewable
$5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, as well as the
Sherm & Wanda Olsrud Endowed Scholarship that offers up to $5,000 to
students attending Southern Oregon University.
Over his long life, Sherm has demonstrated integrity, duty, and true
generosity in every community in which he lived. Sherm's business
acumen and benevolence are well known across most of the southern
Oregon region including Douglas, Lane, Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath
counties for the past 40 years and his legacy will continue for many
years into the future. In fact, the Olsrud family has opened Sherm's
memorial service to the broader public due to widespread interest in
celebrating Sherm's accomplishments and philanthropy.
I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Sherm for his many
years of service and generosity throughout southern Oregon, and I give
my condolences to Wanda, and the Olsrud family.
____________________