June 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 114 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING STEPHEN KONZ

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2020

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Stephen Stanley Konz for a life of service to his country, his family, 
and his community.
  Steve was born in Poland on September 6th, 1926 to Lillian 
Kwiatkowski and Michael Rosinski. As a three-month-old baby he came to 
America through Ellis Island in the arms of a teenage mother. He joined 
the Navy at age 17 where he served until the war ended in August 1945.
  After the war, Steve moved to Republic, Washington to teach fifth 
grade. During this time, he raised five children, built a log home, and 
grew a cattle herd. While the log home burned in 1978, it was rebuilt 
with the help of friends and neighbors.
  Steve was passionate about politics, advocating for the Constitution, 
individual freedom, property rights, limited government, and the right 
to bear arms. Steve was deeply involved in the community as a member of 
the Kiwanis Club, Grange, PTA, local school board, Cattlemen's 
Association, and Washington Farm Forestry Association. He also served 
as the manager of the Ferry County Fair, the President of the Republic 
Chamber of Commerce, and a district court judge for 14 years.
  A captivating storyteller, Steve often had listeners laughing and 
crying. In 1994, at age 75, Steve drew up plans to convert his ranch 
into a guest lodge. The foundation was completed in 2000, and for the 
next 17 years Steve could be seen with a smile on his face, working 
every day from dawn to dusk to complete his dream lodge.
  Steve Konz passed away at age 90 in the lodge he built, on the ranch 
he loved, with family at his side.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and Washington's Fifth 
Congressional District may we rise to remember Steve and his legacy. 
His service and passion will inspire generations to come.

                          ____________________