[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MARDELLE RETZLOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Mrs. Mardelle Retzloff, upon the occasion of her retirement following 
forty-five years of outstanding service and ministry to others, in and 
out of the classroom.
  Inspired by a true calling of spiritual and humanitarian duty, Mrs. 
Retzloff initiated her journey as an educator in 1954, when she began 
working at Jack and Jill Nursery School in her native city of Aurora, 
IL. In 1960, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. That same 
year, she accepted a position at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, where 
she taught English and history. She taught there, and within the 
Milwaukee Public School District, for nearly twenty years before moving 
to Cleveland.
  In 1979, Mrs. Retzloff joined the staff at St. Paul Lutheran School 
in Westlake. Her devoted service at St. Paul's has enhanced the lives 
of two generations of children in her kindergarten classroom. Beyond 
the classroom, Mrs. Retzloff, her husband, Richard, and her children, 
Barbara and John, have offered their strength and hope to the most 
vulnerable children of our community. As foster parents to thirty-six 
children, Mr. and Mrs. Retzloff have given these children a loving, 
stable home, offering light and hope where none existed before.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Mardelle Retzloff, for her years of dedicated service as teacher, 
mentor, foster parent and friend. Her commitment, kindness and caring 
for the children of our community has served to lift the spirits of 
countless individuals, and will forever reflect faith, hope and light 
throughout our entire community. I wish Mrs. Retzloff and her family an 
abundance of peace, health and happiness, today, and in all the years 
to come.

                          ____________________