[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2060-E2061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DEAN LENABURG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to reflect upon the life of a 
strong and good man, Dean Lenaburg from Valley City, North Dakota.
  Dean was my mentor and my friend. Without his role in my life, I 
would never have been a Member of Congress. Dean passed away earlier 
this year after a long battle with kidney and liver disease, but his 
memory will continue to guide and inspire his family and friends in the 
years ahead.
  Dean was easy to look up to--he towered over most of us with a height 
of 6' 4" and the athletic build of someone who excelled in sports. He 
easily transitioned from the small town competition of Portland, North 
Dakota to stand-out on the University of North Dakota football team.
  Dean's parents obviously instilled in him an intellectual curiosity 
and love of learning--that would be an important feature of his 
character throughout his life.
  Dean quickly completed his university years earning his undergraduate 
and law degrees in just 5 years. He married Mary Trom from Lisbon, 
North Dakota, and upon graduation they began the adventure of Dean's 
service in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  Dean would have been the very picture of an FBI agent in those days--
tall, strong, smart, and absolutely committed to advancing justice and 
public safety. Dean was never one to talk about himself, so most of his 
experiences as an FBI agent were never shared--even with those closest 
to him. I know, however, he served with honor and that the FBI has 
never had an agent more trustworthy than Dean Lenaburg.
  After several years Dean, Mary and their four young daughters, 
Kristin, Kathryn, Andrea, and Susan, came back to North Dakota where 
Dean began his career as a practicing attorney--briefly in Oakes and 
later in Valley City where he was a fixture in the area's legal 
community for more than 30 years.
  In the course of these years, Dean made many positive contributions 
to his community, his clients and friends. He profoundly influenced my 
own life during this time, as revealed in three examples.
  In 1971, my father died unexpectedly at the age of 57. Dean handled 
the estate. To this day, I vividly remember the competent and sensitive 
representation he provided to our grief stricken family. His example of 
service furthered my own thinking with regards to pursuit of a law 
career.
  In 1974, Dean supported my application for the Rotary Foundation 
Award. With his help, I won the scholarship and was able to pursue 
graduate studies in England.
  Finally, Dean and his law partner R. Jon Fitzner allowed me to 
fulfill my first career

[[Page E2061]]

goal--joining them in the practice of law back in my hometown.
  Fortunately for me, both Dean and R. Jon had a broad and selfless 
view of my participation in the law firm. When I became interested in 
pursuing elected office--first for the legislature and then as a 
statewide candidate--they were completely supportive.
  I believe the value of junior members in many law firms is found 
solely in the billable hours they generate for the benefit of the firm. 
Dean Lenaburg and R. Jon Fitzner thought I had something to offer in 
the area of public leadership. Without their understanding and support, 
I would never have been able to participate in the political process.
  I only hope Dean knew the dimensions of gratitude I will always have 
for his allowing me to take my shot at elective office. As long as I 
may remain in public service, I hope and pray my efforts are worthy of 
the trusting support he provided.
  One final aspect of Dean needs noting. He had a first rate intellect 
and insatiable appetite for learning. He was a lifelong student of 
history and read extensively. He would positively delight in uncovering 
a new insight or perspective on the historical development of our State 
and Nation.
  His interest in scholarship led him to extended service on the Valley 
City Library Building. Our beautiful Andrew Carnegie building and its 
contents reflect his conscientious contribution to the preservation and 
enhancement of our community library.
  Dean's spirit--including his active mind, his concern for others, and 
his good humor--lives on in his daughters and grandchildren.
  Dean Lenaburg had a life well lived. All of us whose lives he touched 
feel grateful for having known him and will carry him in our thoughts 
and memories always.

                          ____________________