[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H5950-H5951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING NORBERT DREILING OF HAYS, KANSAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize a man 
from my hometown who is a legend in Kansas and a pillar in our 
community, a man who is sought out for his political expertise and 
advice as well as for his legal skills, and a man who is well known for 
his charitable efforts and his vision for our State and our country. I 
am here tonight to honor a leader, and my friend, Mr. Norbert Dreiling.
  Mr. Dreiling may best be known as the father of Democratic politics 
in the State of Kansas. Through years of dedicated service, he breathed 
life into a struggling Democratic party and established a lasting two-
party system in our State.
  Early on, Norbert found ways to use his talents to further his 
beliefs in good government and in opportunity for all. After graduating 
from law school in 1949, he returned to his home of Hays, Kansas, where 
he volunteered as a precinct committeeman, a position he held for the 
following 25 years. Norbert's enthusiasm and ability brought 
opportunities well beyond local politics. From 1966 to 1974, he served 
as State party chairman of the Democratic Party and as campaign 
chairman for Kansas Governor Robert Docking.

                              {time}  1930

  The party flourished under Chairman Dreiling's leadership; and for 
the first time in Kansas's history, an incumbent Republican Governor 
was defeated in a race for that office. Norbert went on to advise 
Governor Docking and helped elect him to a historic four terms as 
Kansas Governor, the most terms ever served by a Governor in our State. 
Norbert took an interest in national politics; and along with serving 
as a delegate to four national party conventions, he served as State 
co-chairman for the Johnson and Kennedy Presidential campaigns. Today, 
at the wise age of 79, Mr. Dreiling continues to advise and empower 
candidates and officeholders.
  Norbert's influence extends well beyond politics. Even before 
President Kennedy's call for civic duty, Norbert was revered as a 
strong leader and a generous spirit in our community. His benevolent 
service in support of hospitals, rest homes, schools, and civic 
organizations is legendary. With an eye to bettering the future, 
Norbert also knows the importance of remembering

[[Page H5951]]

the past. He has been instrumental in promoting the Volga-German 
heritage of Ellis County, Kansas; and he has authored a history of the 
Volga-German people and their immigration to Kansas, as well as a 
pageant play marking the centennial anniversary of these events.
  When he is not volunteering his time and talents, Norbert is a 
successful attorney and a partner in the law firm of Dreiling, Bieker 
and Hoffman. Despite his many activities, his family comes first. 
Norbert is a devoted husband to his wife Jeannie, and a proud father of 
four children: January, Mark, Curtis, and Kathy.
  Like his Volga-German ancestors who crossed the Kansas prairie many 
years ago, Norbert's hard work and strong values have made his 
community and our State a better place. I want tonight to thank Norbert 
for his many accomplishments, for his civic-minded spirit, and for his 
sound leadership. Despite a difference in our party affiliation, he is 
a friend and adviser; and I commend him for his longtime service to our 
great democracy.
  Norbert has spent his life advocating for those in need and enabling 
others to overcome life's challenges. Today, Norbert himself is facing 
a great challenge, a personal battle with Parkinson's disease. And 
tonight, our prayers go out to Norbert and his family during these 
difficult times. May the strength and courage demonstrated in his years 
of service throughout his life help him fight the effects of this 
terrible disease.

                          ____________________