[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO VRETENAR CONSTRUCTION 1996 ST. FRANCIS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 1996

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vretenar 
Construction, city of St. Francis 1996 Business of the Year.
  Vretenar Construction, formerly known as Vretenar & Sons, was founded 
by John Vretenar, Sr. in 1949 with a trailer, a wheel barrow, a mud 
box, and a lot of hard work. Forty seven years later, Vretenar 
Construction remains a family business, run by John's son Milton and 
Milt's wife Elizabeth since John's retirement in 1965. Even Milt and 
Betty's son Craig was involved in the family business until he became 
building inspector for the city of St. Francis.
  Vretenar Construction has provided many years of service to the 
community, building homes, and buildings for area residents and 
businesses. But their dedication extends well beyond that. Milt, the 
longtime mayor of the city of St. Francis and a talented mason 
contractor, is constantly donating his time and skills to a city he 
loves so dearly. Milt quietly helps out wherever he can, from 
construction of the veteran's memorial to repairs on the St. Francis 
Historical Society house to a host of other projects too numerous to 
mention. He and Betty also remain involved in a number of community 
organizations and have for so many years been so committed to making 
St. Francis a great place to live and work.
  Vretenar Construction is a perfect example of a business with a 
strong community spirit. It is certainly a well-deserving recipient of 
the city of St. Francis Economic Development Committee's Business of 
the Year honor. For the Vretenars, community service is truly a family 
affair.

                          ____________________