[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 91 (Tuesday, July 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO FRANK KOGOVSEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the life of Frank Kogovsek, who sadly 
passed away recently at the age of 91. Frank was a pillar of the Pueblo 
community and, as his family mourns his loss, I think it is appropriate 
that we remember his life and celebrate the work he did on behalf of 
others.
  Frank was born to Frank and Mary Kogovsek in April of 1911. Coming of 
age in the middle of the Great Depression, Frank's childhood tested his 
resolve and forged his character. The death of Frank's father from 
Black Lung disease in the late 1920s was a particularly hard blow to 
the family. And it was these defining trials that made Frank Kogovsek 
into the generous and wise man whose ability to reach out and minister 
to his family and community has touched the lives of so many.
  From a young age, Frank was adept at woodworking, while also showing 
a particular skill at the art of dancing. It was this second talent 
that lead Frank to meet his future wife, Mary Blatnick, at a dance in 
the Arcadia Ballroom. They fell in love and were married in St. Mary's 
Church on June 24, 1938. Frank and Mary reared an active and large 
family, with seven sons and a daughter, Mary Joy. As an employee of the 
Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation since the age of 16, the post-war 
years were a boom time for Frank and his young family. Between overtime 
at work and his service at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Frank's 
many commitments to others never came before his love for his family; 
by their own admission, Frank was a generous man to his children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to the life of Frank 
Kogovsek, a man whose character and impact on others is evident in the 
lives of all who have crossed his path. It is with admiration, respect 
and a sense of sadness that I recount Frank's 91 years of life before 
this body of Congress. Although Frank has left us, his good-natured 
spirit lives on through the lives of those he has touched. In 
particular, the character of Frank's son Ray, who so ably represented 
the 3rd District of Colorado in this House from 1979 to 1985, is a 
testament to the inspirational life lead by Frank Kogovsek. I would 
like to extend my thoughts and deepest sympathies to Frank's family and 
friends during this difficult time.

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