[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MERLIN ROSEMEIER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer 
condolences to the family and friends of Merlin Rosemeier, who passed 
away April 10, 2005. Merlin was a close family friend and served as 
best man in my father's wedding. He is survived by his wife, Ramona, 
nine children, 26 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one 
sister.
  Merlin was born in Dublin Township in 1928. He attended school in 
Murdock and at the University of Minnesota. He married Ramona Traxler 
on August 29, 1953, and settled into the family farm. He was a hard 
working dairy farmer and in 2002, his family celebrated owning a 
century farm.
  He was also a very faithful man. As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church, he served as the choir director and I fondly remember him using 
his deep, rich voice to sing ``Ave Maria,'' at church services. He said 
Grace before every meal and always added a Hail Mary for the crops.
  Mr. Speaker, Merlin was a family man whose positive, friendly spirit 
resonated to those around him. Nothing ever broke his kind and gentle 
soul. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him and 
his memory will live on in their hearts.

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