[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1684-S1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING MRS. MATILDA TSCHETTER OF HURON, SOUTH DAKOTA

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, a few weeks ago, South Dakota, and the 
country, lost a friend. Mrs. Matilda Tschetter of Huron, South Dakota 
was laid to rest on February 3rd in Freeman, SD.
  This chamber is no stranger to great men and women, and the Record is 
replete with recognition of their accomplishments. From Presidents to 
civil rights leaders, we often come to the floor to recognize Americans 
who have made a difference in our country. Matilda Tschetter may not 
have been featured on the front page of the newspaper, but she was 
certainly a great South Dakotan, and a great American.

[[Page S1685]]

And she, too, made a difference in this world.
  Matilda Tschetter represents all that is great about our people. 
Strong, smart, and committed to her family, she spent much of her life 
serving others. Matilda and her late husband Henry were both educators. 
They raised a family, and Matilda remained active in Democratic 
politics throughout her life. I got to know Matilda when she served as 
a Senior Intern in my office. I was impressed by both her kindness and 
her informed thoughts on the issues confronting our country and the 
world. I understand that in the last election, Matilda voted absentee 
and made a point to remind everyone in her family to vote on election 
day. Matilda certainly understood the responsibility that comes with 
the privilege of living in a democracy.
  In South Dakota, and throughout the country, people like Matilda 
Tschetter quietly make our country a better place. They are committed 
to their families, to their communities and to their country. They 
persevered through the Great Depression and are the reason our country 
is as strong as it is. Matilda Tschetter will certainly be missed.
  Today the Senate joins me in paying tribute to an admirable woman. My 
sincere condolences go out to Matilda Tschetter's surviving family: her 
daughter, Dianne Sandvick, and her son-in-law, Dr. Roger Sandvick. In 
this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with them, and with 
Matilda's many friends.

                          ____________________