[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1697]]
                  IN MEMORY OF JOHANNES (JACK) WIEWEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Jack Wiewel, 
of Rocky River, OH. Jack devoted his life to improving the image and 
expanding the influence of Germans in America, and throughout the 
world. Considering his numerous accomplishments and awards, he was 
exceptionally successful.
  Jack Wiewel served as a lieutenant in a German army armored unit 
during World War II. After the war, he worked as an electrical engineer 
before emigrating to Canada in 1954. Answering the great demand for 
skilled workers, he moved to Cleveland to work at the Ford Motor Co.'s 
Cleveland Casting Plant a year later. He remained at Ford until his 
retirement in 1991.
  Mr. Wiewel was surprised that so many Americans still distrusted 
Germans, and he quickly set a goal to change this negative impression. 
Less than 10 years after moving to Cleveland, he became president of 
the Federation of German-American Societies of Greater Cleveland, an 
umbrella organization for 25 other groups. He served as an officer in 
countless other German-American groups and societies, and was the 
current president of the German-American National Congress.
  Mr. Wiewel's efforts in the German-American community did not go 
unnoticed. In 1974, he was awarded the Federal Service Cross 1st Class 
by the country of West Germany, the highest award given to civilians. 
In 1996, the Federation of German Societies of Greater Cleveland 
honored him by naming him German-American of the Year. His work was 
also recognized by Gov. George Voinovich, who appointed him to the 
Council on Ohio Nursing Homes. Former Gov. Richard Celeste appointed 
him to the German-American Tricentennial Commission, and former 
President Nixon appointed him to the Draft Board Commission.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing a great American 
who worked hard to dispel stereotypes and improve German-American 
relations not only in the Cleveland area, but throughout the world. He 
will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________