[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO EUGENE H. KOLKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man of rare 
vision who has devoted his life to the labor movement and to improving 
the lives and working conditions of America's working men and women. 
Eugene H. Kolkman joined the Retail Clerks International Union in 1953 
in Fort Wayne, IN. This month he retires as secretary-treasurer of the 
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 911 after 35 years of 
outstanding leadership as a union official. His intelligence and 
persevering spirit carried Gene to higher and higher responsibilities. 
In fact, Gene Kolkman has done virtually every job a union man can do--
from field organizer, business agent, and local union president. In 
1970, Gene rose to the position of executive assistant to then-UFCW 
Vice President Bill Wynn, having responsibility for the union's Central 
Division covering Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan.
  Gene has also served the broader labor movement holding positions as 
recording secretary of the Toledo area AFL-CIO; executive secretary of 
the Toledo Port Council; and vice president of the Ohio State AFL-CIO. 
Gene's career representing his fellow workers is an inspiration to all 
concerned about the welfare of working families.
  In 1956, Gene married Judy Fenstermacker, and they have raised two 
children, Jennifer and Christopher. On September 1, Judy and Gene will 
celebrate 39 years together, another source of inspiration.
  Mr. Speaker, this Congress should celebrate the lives of labor 
leaders such as Gene Kolkman, who dedicate their careers to helping 
others help themselves. Let us wish Godspeed to Gene and Judy in their 
retirement and a resounding thank you from our entire community for a 
job done with excellence always.

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