[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF MR. GLENN AND MRS. LYDIA HUNDERTMARK IN 
    CELEBRATION OF THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: NOVEMBER 6, 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as they celebrate 50 years of devotion to 
each other, to their family and to their extended family and many close 
friends. This unbreakable union represents a deep and abiding love, not 
only for each other, but also for their children, grandchildren and for 
their community.
  Glenn Hundertmark and Lydia Nikishin met in the early 1950s while 
working at the Pick-n-Pay grocery store at Fulton and Memphis. Glenn 
left to serve our country during the Korean War in the United States 
Navy as an Aviation Mechanic. When Glenn returned home, he and Lydia 
dated, fell in love and became engaged in 1954. On November 6, 1954 
they were married at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church by Reverend Herbert 
Blickensderfer.
  Glenn worked for Cleveland Twist Drill Co. and American Steel and 
Wire until he became a fireman for the city of Cleveland in 1961. He 
worked in various fire stations over the years as a Lieutenant, then as 
Captain, until retiring in 1984. Lydia worked at Associates Finance Co. 
before they started their family in 1955. Being a full-time mom to 
Lynn, Ruth, Paul and Kathryn quickly became the main focus and joy of 
Lydia's life.
  Together, Glenn and Lydia created memorable holiday celebrations. 
Every Christmas morning, their children would wake up to a beautiful 
tree and gifts that they built. Lydia would sew Halloween costumes, and 
Glenn made carving a pumpkin an art form. Birthdays were special days 
with favorite meals being served and grandparents, aunts and uncles 
joining the party. Their young family played board games, went on 
picnics and hikes and went for boat rides on the ``Busy Liz.'' Glenn 
and Lee took their family on a variety of vacations each year from 
camping and fishing trips, to the trip of a lifetime traveling out west 
for a month in 1973. The beloved Rustic Rest in Vermilion holds 
cherished memories that began with Glenn's childhood and has continued 
throughout his grandchildren's lives.
  Glenn and Lydia taught their children the value of tradition by 
sharing stories and keepsakes of their ancestors--giving them a clear 
understanding and appreciation of their German, Russian and Ukrainian 
heritage. The family baptismal gown was sewn in 1911 by Glenn's 
grandmother Ida Christianer, and has been worn by every newborn baby 
since. The Santa Claus suit that was made by Gordon and Ruth 
Hundertmark in 1960 thrilled their children and grandchildren when 
Santa Claus visited them every Christmas. On Easter, you will still 
hear Mildred and George Nikishin's blessing: ``Christos Voskres; 
Voyistino Voskres,'' being spoken, while Millie's tradition of homemade 
Paska bread is shared by all.
  As much as Glenn and Lydia love their family, they also love their 
friends. Glenn's fellow firemen and their families, and the families of 
the Orchard Avenue neighborhood, became like second families to the 
Hundertmark's. There was always a neighborhood picnic or party planned, 
ending with everyone being thrown in their neighbor's pool. They had 
Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and 35 Dance Club parties. They 
vacationed together in large groups, taking the party on the road. 
Lifelong friendships were formed.
  Throughout their lives, Glenn and Lydia have volunteered their time 
and talents within their community. Their dedication to helping others 
is evidenced at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, homeless shelters and in 
causes including Cerebral Palsy and Habitat for Humanity. In their 
spare time, they could always be found at their grandchildren's 
sporting events, choir concerts and award nights.
  Their great joy for life radiates throughout every aspect of their 
lives. Glenn and Lee are fabulous dancers, they are animal lovers, they 
have traveled all over the world--they are can-do people who have 
always been there for everyone. Lydia has nursed her adult children 
back to health, proving you will always need your mother. She is famous 
for her exceptional potato salad--and a picnic wouldn't be a picnic 
without it! Glenn has an unbelievable memory and tells wonderful, 
colorful stories. They have an extensive collection of slides capturing 
their life's story.
  Glenn and Lydia were faithful children to their parents--George, 
Mildred, Gordon and Ruth--who are no longer with us, but are here today 
in spirit. They are parents, grandparents, a brother, a sister, a 
mother and father-in-law, a brother and sister in-law, an aunt and 
uncle, cousins, a friend--and together, they are surely one. Their 
legacy will be one of dedication to their family, to their church, to 
their community, and their devoted faithful service to the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as we join them in celebration of this 
momentous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. Glenn and Lydia 
Hundertmark continue to inspire us to understand our past, to follow 
our dreams, to give back to our community, and to hold family closest 
to our hearts.

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