[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 TRIBUTE TO DR. AND MRS. HENRY ANDERSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. and Mrs. 
Henry ``Hank'' Andersen of Lamar, CO who have recently celebrated their 
60th wedding anniversary. Hank and Marjorie Anderson grew up in the 
small town of Cozad, Nebraska. They were high school sweethearts who 
married on July 31, 1942. For their lifetime commitment to each other 
and their strong example to their family and community, Mr. Speaker, 
the United States Congress commends Hank and Marjorie and wishes them 
many more wonderful years together.
  After graduating from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, with a 
major in speech, Miss Marjorie Evelyn Ford married Naval Ensign Henry 
Stanley Andersen. In 1942, the couple moved to New York City, where 
Hank, a Naval officer who loved to fly, was stationed as a pilot. 
There, their small family grew to include a daughter, Sue Ford 
Andersen. After Hank's tour of duty ended in 1945, the Andersen's moved 
back to Nebraska. In 1947, they welcomed the birth of their second 
child, Stanley Ford.
  After graduating from the University of Nebraska Dental School in 
1949, Hank moved his family to Lamar, Colorado. There, he opened a 
successful dental practice, which he maintained for almost 35 years.
  As their children grew, Hank and Marjorie became very involved in the 
life of their community. Marjorie joined two women's service 
organizations, Sorosis and P.E.O., while Hank became an active member 
of the Southeastern Colorado Dental Association. Both Hank and Marjorie 
have been active members of Lamar's First Presbyterian Church.
  Family has always been very important to Hank and Marjorie. 
Throughout their married life, the Andersens made numerous trips back 
to Cozad, Nebraska to visit their parents, Ralph and Pearl Ford (Pa 
Ralph and Sweetiepie to their grandchildren) and Henry and Ella 
Andersen, (affectionately referred to as Pa Henry and Squeezetight). 
Even after their parents passed away, the Andersens continued to make 
the trip to visit their aunt and uncle, Floyd and Kate Mundell.
  Hank and Marjorie take great pride in their children, and were very 
excited when Sue married James Ocken in 1966 and when they became the 
grandparents of Cassandra ``Cassie'' Ocken and Staci Ocken Helseth. 
They have also greatly enjoyed their great-grandchildren, Chase Henry 
Helseth and Courtney Laura Helseth. The Andersens are always prepared 
to show off their most recent family photos.
  Always avid sports fans, Hank and Marjorie held season tickets to the 
Air Force Academy football games during the 1950s, and never missed an 
opportunity to attend Lamar High School football and basketball games. 
The Andersens have also continually encouraged the young people of 
their community, faithfully attending the school events of neighborhood 
children, long after their son and daughter left home.
  After Dr. Andersen retired in 1983, the couple enjoyed traveling to 
Kennebunkport, Maine, the home of their favorite president, George 
Bush, and to the countryside of Wisconsin to see the fall colors.
  After 60 years of marriage, Hank and Marjorie Andersen are still a 
beautiful picture of what it means to be in love. Everyone who knows 
them can see how much they enjoy being in each other's company. They 
take care of one another, laugh together and set a meaningful example 
of commitment in marriage.
  Citizens of Colorado, Hank and Marjorie are a truly remarkable 
couple. I am proud of their momentous accomplishment, and I ask the 
House of Representatives to join me in extending our warmest 
congratulations to Dr. and Mrs. Henry Andersen.

                          ____________________