[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 6, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO VIOREL G. ``VI'' STOIA

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Viorel G. 
``Vi'' Stoia, a great South Dakotan who passed away on January 28, 
2008.
  Vi Stoia was born on February 13, 1924 in Aberdeen, SD, and began his 
lifetime of service and leadership at Aberdeen Central High School 
where he served as senior class president. Vi continued this leadership 
and service while he served in the U.S. Navy and attended the 
University of Minnesota. In 1949, Vi graduated with a degree in 
business administration and married his lifelong companion, Donna Marie 
Maurseth.
  Vi's thirst for knowledge along with his extraordinary leadership 
abilities served him well during his lifetime. His long and illustrious 
professional career included countless distinguished appointments, 
awards, and honors.
  Vi will be remembered by the Aberdeen community because of his 
exuberant service and dedication to constant improvement of the city, 
county, and State. Vi was a member of numerous community organizations, 
including the Aberdeen Jaycees and the Aberdeen Area Chamber of 
Commerce. Additionally, Vi's dedication and leadership were 
instrumental in rallying support for dozens of community projects.
  The profound wisdom and deep commitment that Vi possessed is 
reflected through his role in the businesses, health organizations, 
educational affiliations, and political organizations for which he so 
diligently served throughout his life. Vi also received many awards 
recognizing his excellent work and service including: Distinguished 
Alumni Award--NSU, 1976; the George Award, 1979 and 1994; South Dakota 
Community Volunteer of the Year, 1991; Distinguished Service Award, 
Excellence in Economic Development, 2000; and South Dakota Medal of 
Distinguished Excellence, 2008.
  Vi will be lovingly remembered by his wife Donna as well as his 
children and grandchildren as a loving husband, father, and a great 
man. He will forever remain in our hearts for his contributions to the 
Aberdeen area and the entire State of South Dakota. Few men will ever 
give as much of themselves or make as much of a difference in the lives 
of others as Vi Stoia. Today we celebrate the life and accomplishments 
of this great man. Although he does not stand among us, his legacy will 
live on for a time without end. For all that has been accomplished and 
achieved, for all of the lives that have been touched and enhanced, 
thank you, and God bless Viorel G. Stoia.

                          ____________________