[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO GOTTLIEB (GEORGE) BORGARDT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to George 
Borgardt on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The event will be 
celebrated on December 15th, 1997.
  George Borgardt was born in Leninskoye, Russia, to Gottfried and 
Maria Neiderquel in 1887. As one of six children, George grew up in a 
large German family that worked and played on the banks of the mighty 
Volga river. When George turned 26, he came to Chicago to tour the 
United States and to visit family. However, the start of World War I 
kept the Borgardt's from returning to his home.
  In 1923 George moved to Fresno to find employment in California's 
rich fields and booming industries. It was there that George fell in 
love with and married a German girl named Amelia Schneider. America's 
preparation for entrance into World War II placed George's maintenance 
skills in high demand. Because of this, the two moved to Los Angeles 
where they were blessed with their son, Gilbert. After the war, George 
had a successful career with both the Lyons and McDonalds corporations 
as a food service equipment installer.
  After 54 years of marriage, Amelia sadly passed away in 1978. This 
event brought George back to Fresno where he became very active in the 
American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. George's retirement 
and activeness with the society introduced him to a second wife, Yvonne 
Gates Curran. The two of them have been happily together since 1983.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to the 100th 
birthday of George Borgardt. Mr. Borgardt's longevity and hard work 
serve as a model for all Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
wishing George my best wishes for the future.

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