[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E472-E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO VERNIE E. ENSTROM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise 
today to pay tribute to a matriarch and true friend of the Grand 
Junction, Colorado community. Vernie E. Enstrom recently passed away at 
the age of 97, and as her family mourns the loss, I would like to take 
this moment to bring forth her good deeds and accomplishments before 
this body of Congress and this nation. Vernie was a remarkable woman 
and I am honored to tell her story.
  To many Coloradans, Vernie E. Enstrom will forever be remembered as 
the co-founder of

[[Page E473]]

Enstrom's Candy Company, a company she started along with her late 
husband Chet in 1960. Vernie and Chet arrived in the City of Grand 
Junction in 1929 to originally establish the Jones-Enstrom Ice Cream 
Company. Using their combined knowledge from the business, the two 
started Enstrom's Candy, which today serves as a local icon and model 
company in the State of Colorado.
  Throughout her life, Vernie was well known through her community as a 
leader and dedicated matriarch of her family. During her life, Vernie 
enjoyed the pleasure of her dearest passion, music, and was often found 
singing, as well as playing the piano and organ. In her time with Chet, 
who later became a state senator, she was always his loyal companion 
who supported and prodded him to success in his business, political, 
and personal endeavors. She was the dedicated mother of her daughter 
Ann and son Emil whose daughter Jamee and husband Doug today are the 
proud operators of Enstrom's Candy. She is further survived and 
remembered by six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three 
great-great grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Vernie E. Enstrom 
for the great strides she took in establishing herself as a valuable 
leader in the Grand Junction community. Her dedication to family, 
friends, work, and the community certainly deserves the recognition of 
this body of Congress and a grateful nation. Although Vernie has left 
us, her good-natured spirit lives on through the lives of those she 
touched. I would like to extend my regrets and deepest sympathies to 
Vernie's family and friends during their time of bereavement and 
remembrance. She was a remarkable woman and she will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________