[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING MR. WILLIAM WUNSCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2005

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, this previous year, the community of Ft. 
Morgan, CO, lost a veteran and a long time local farmer when William 
Wunsch passed away at the age of 86.
  He was born February 18, 1918, to Fred and Katherine Wunsch, who 
lived in the German Corner of Fort Morgan after emigrating from the 
Volga region of Russia.
  Mr. Wunsch was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1942. He served 
bravely during World War II as a tank sergeant in the 7th Armored 
Division, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Because of his 
heritage and his ability to speak and read German, he provided a 
valuable service by working with the Counter Intelligence Corps before 
returning Colorado.
  After leaving the Army, Bill married Violet Eckhardt on December 15, 
1946. Together they started a farm south of Fort Morgan where he stayed 
until he retired in 1997. Sadly, Violet was killed in a car accident in 
1970. On May 1, 1971, he married Lydia Lehr Schwartz and they worked 
together on the farm. William was named to the ``High Ten'' several 
times for having the greatest average sugar beet tonnage for the Sheds 
District of the local sugar factory. Frequently he was interviewed by 
the local paper about his accomplishments in farming and about his 
heritage as a Volga German immigrant.
  As a member of the Christ Congregational Church, William actively 
worked in his church as a deacon, secretary, Sunday school 
superintendent, and a Sunday school teacher. Mr. Wunsch also remained 
active in the community as president of the Beet Growers Association, 
the Daily Lateral Irrigation Company, and a charter member of the 
Caring Ministries.
  Mr. Speaker, we lose more of our precious veterans everyday. These 
heros have left their homes to defend our nation, and then returned 
home to be valued members of their communities, showing their children 
and grandchildren how to live meaningful lives of service. I want to 
take this brief moment to honor William Wunsch for the sacrifices that 
he made. May God bless his family, may God bless our precious veterans, 
and may God bless America.

                          ____________________