[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF DR. BURL AND REBA PFANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, the greatness of America, in large part, 
depends on the goodness of its families. The course of our nation is 
not steered so much by media personalities, or intellectuals, or 
politicians, as much as it is set by husbands and wives committed to 
each other, to their children, and to their communities. Dr. Burl and 
Reba Pfander, of Springfield, Missouri, are such a couple.
  On September 5th, Burl and Reba will be celebrating their fiftieth 
wedding anniversary. When a young World War II veteran married his 
attractive bride in 1948, they made a life-long commitment to each 
other. In an age when many people have entered and exited marriages 
with startling rapidity, Burl and Reba Pfander have kept their promise. 
They have stood as an example of what marriage should be: a solemn 
commitment, a life-long partnership, and a relationship of love and 
honor. As a result, their marriage has enriched their own lives and the 
lives of their family beyond measure.
  The commitment of Burl and Reba to family and to the future is 
reflected in their son, Michael. Michael has become a veterinarian, 
continuing his father's private practice of thirty-eight years. Michael 
has gone on to form his own family; he and his wife, Jeanne, are the 
parents of Burl and Reba's granddaughter, Meghan Michelle. Burl and 
Reba Pfander have raised a son that any family would be proud of, with 
the type of values every son should have. The most important obligation 
of each generation is to pass on a set of values to the next 
generation. The Pfanders have met that obligation.
  Outside of their family, Burl and Reba's marriage has benefited an 
entire community. The Pfanders have been involved with local youth 
organization for many years. Reba has been named an honorary farmer of 
the Nixa, Missouri, chapter of the Future Farmers of America. Burl has 
supported the FFA, 4-H, and the Missouri Junior Polled Hereford 
Association. Both Pfanders are active members of their local church, 
and they serve as volunteers for community-wide events.
  The Pfanders have also shown a strong commitment to giving young 
people opportunities to advance themselves through higher education. 
They have endowed an annual scholarship in memory of Reba's brother, 
Wallace Lanz, who was killed in World War II. The scholarship is given 
to support local high school seniors as they enter college. Burl and 
Reba also counsel aspiring veterinarians about their applications to 
veterinary colleges. Burl and Reba Pfander understand the importance of 
giving back to their community.
  Fifty years ago, few people may have recognized the significance of 
the wedding of Burl Pfander to Reba Lanz, but today few people in their 
community can escape it. The Pfanders have remained committed to each 
other; they have been good parents and passed on their values to a son 
who has followed in his parents' path; they have been model citizens; 
and they have given of themselves to those around them. I am glad to 
give my congratulations to Dr. Burl and Reba Pfander on their fiftieth 
wedding anniversary.

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