[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       EULOGY FOR CORINNE MICHEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, it's with great regret that I come to the 
floor today to note the untimely passing on October 22 of Corinne 
Michel, a friend of so many of us privileged to serve in this House, 
and the wife of former House Minority Leader Bob Michel of Illinois.
  As Mike Johnson, a former Chief of Staff for Bob Michel, told Copley 
News Service: ``[Corinne] was never affected by all the limelight. Bob 
used to say people in politics have their feet planted in midair. Hers 
were always planted firmly on the ground.''
  And as Millie Arends, the city treasurer in the Michel's home city of 
Peoria, Illinois, noted: ``She was well-read on everything. Her husband 
said she was one his best assets.''
  Corinne Michel was born in Onida, South Dakota, and was raised in St. 
Paul, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Peoria, Illinois, where her father 
managed the Livestock Market News. In 1943, she graduated from Peoria 
High School, and then met Bob when the two sang in the a cappella choir 
at Bradley University.
  Corinne was an accomplished classical pianist who graduated with two 
music degrees and then taught music in the Peoria public schools. In 
1948, the Michels were married and eight years later Bob was elected to 
the House, where he served with distinction for 38 years--including 14 
as the Republican leader--before retiring in 1995.
  While Bob served his constituents and nation in Washington, Corinne 
raised the couple's four children back in Peoria. She was active in 
Peoria Players and Central Illinois Youth Symphony and helped bring 
opera and ballet to Peoria. She also represented Bob at events in his 
home District.
  In Washington, she was active in Congressional spouse organizations 
and chaired the Republican Women's Federal Forum.
  The Michels' son Scott told the Chicago Tribune: ``Music played a 
huge role in her [his mother's] life and she passed it on [to her 
children]. I would come home from school and there would be classical 
music on the stereo and she would be playing the piano.''
  And said our colleague Ray LaHood, a former Chief of Staff for Leader 
Michel and the successor in his seat, said: ``She was one of the 
loveliest persons I have ever met.'' A sentiment that all who knew her 
shared.
  He continued: ``She never sought the limelight . . . but her husband 
sought her advice and she gave it to him in her own quiet way.''
  Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to my friend, 
the former Republican Leader, who not only is a great credit to this 
institution but also an American of unquestioned patriotism and 
courage.
  Bob Michel, who was wounded as an infantryman in World War II and 
received two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and four battle stars, laid 
his life on the line so that succeeding generations could experience 
the freedoms that we enjoy--and too often take for granted--today.
  Let's recognize today that while Bob Michel soared to great heights 
throughout his career, he always had a steady, able partner on that 
journey--his beloved wife, Corinne, whose loss we mourn today.
  I also want to express my condolences to the Michels' sons, Scott, 
Bruce and Robin; daughter, Laurie; and three grandsons. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with them.

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