[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO GERTRUDE L. BENZEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                  in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the life and contributions of Gertrude L. Benzel of 
Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Gert peacefully left us on a Saturday 
morning, March 9, 2002. Gert was a popular member and patriarch of the 
community and was often sought by many for her listening ear, advice, 
and warm smile.
  Gert was a native of her state, born in 1911 in Delta, Colorado and 
resided in Grand Junction. In 1942, Gert, along with her late husband 
Alex, moved to Glenwood Springs and purchased a sheep ranch. Gert soon 
thereafter found herself desiring to improve the lives of her fellow 
community members. She was often found spending her time as President 
of the State Woolgrowers Association, as a charter member of the 
Glenwood Springs Golf Club, or at various charitable and volunteer 
organizations throughout the area. What I find truly amazing is how 
Gert was able to stay completely involved in her pursuits and still be 
able to raise a family that appreciated and valued the importance of 
hard work, honor, and perseverance. She raised her children John and 
Joanne to be respectful and hardworking individuals determined to 
succeed in their own pursuits. Gert's influence touched many lives 
outside of her immediate family and she was a well-revered and loving 
mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend to many.
  Gert's passing is especially hard for me as she was like a second 
mother to our family. I have such warm memories of those days of my 
youth that I spent visiting our neighbors, the Benzels. Whether it was 
hunting with John, handling sheep up Storm King with Shep (Alex), 
talking with JoAnne, or watching Jeannie with baby Julie, they were all 
wonderful times. But truly, I will miss that special time with Gert. 
The ranch, the golf course, the kitchen (baking cakes for my parents 
birthday), the kittens, all of it was good living and we will miss her 
very much.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Gertrude L. Benzel 
for the great strides she took in establishing herself as a valuable 
leader and patriarch of the Glenwood Springs community. Her dedication 
to family, friends, work, and the community certainly deserves the 
recognition of this body of Congress, and this nation. Although Gert 
has left us, her good-natured spirit lives on through the lives of 
those she has touched. I would like to extend my regrets and deepest 
sympathies to Gert's family and friends during this sad and difficult 
time. We're going to miss you Gert.