[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 22 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1301-S1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PAUL G. GOEBEL, JR.

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to mark the passing 
of Paul G. Goebel, Jr., insurance executive and longtime friend to the 
University of Michigan, Kent County Republicans, and the people of 
Michigan. Paul's life showed how hard work, honesty, and decency can 
still produce success in 

[[Page S1302]]
America, and how they also can produce a giving character and important 
good works.
  After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1954, Paul served 
a 2-year hitch in the U.S. Army. On returning home he entered the 
insurance business. In the mid-1960's he began work with the Goebel-
Hammon agency, which became the Paul Goebel Group in the mid 1980's. 
This successful agency provided coverage for professional associations 
and businesses. In 1994 he left the business in the capable hands of 
his daughter, Margaret.
  Paul's activities were never limited to his business. He served as 
president of the University of Michigan Grand Rapids Alumni Club. As 
early as 1968 he received the Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award 
from the Grand Rapids Jaycees. He was appointed an honorary member of 
the United Way of Kent County in 1977 and served in a variety of 
capacities for that agency, including president.
  An Ada Township resident, Paul also was a big supporter of the 
Republican cause in Kent County and in Michigan as a whole. The son of 
Paul G. Goebel, Sr., mayor of Grand Rapids during much of the 1950's, 
he also served as a Kent County commissioner from 1972 to 1974 and was 
once chairman of the county GOP. In 1974 he launched an unsuccessful 
bid to win back for the Republicans the seat once held by Gerald Ford. 
Disappointing as it was, however, this loss could hardly mar a life 
filled with friendship, family, and an active desire to serve the 
community.
  Paul passed away on February 15, just a few weeks after being 
diagnosed with lung cancer. My thoughts go out to his family but, sad 
as I am at his passing, I also feel privileged to have known a man of 
his warm and giving character.

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