[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2611-S2612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WALLY BRONNER

 Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I wish to honor a remarkable man 
from Michigan, Wally Bronner, who passed away on April 1, 2008, at the 
age of 81. As the founder of BRONNER'S CHRISTmas WONDERLAND in 
Frankenmuth, he embodied the spirit of Christmas.

[[Page S2612]]

  I had the privilege of visiting Wally at his store and it was an 
amazing experience. His enthusiasm and passion were contagious. He was 
truly an ambassador for the community of Frankenmuth and the State of 
Michigan, throughout our country and the world. It is hard to think of 
Christmas without thinking about Wally Bronner. BRONNER'S CHRISTmas 
WONDERLAND is truly one of a kind and provides visitors with the 
opportunity to experience different cultures and Christmas traditions 
from around the world.
  Wally Bronner was born and raised in Frankenmuth, MI. He started a 
sign painting business while in high school and then decorated window 
displays for a local hardware store. Several merchants approached him 
about providing them with Christmas decorations and that was the 
beginning of what has now become BRONNER'S CHRISTmas WONDERLAND, which 
sits on 45 acres of land with a shipping department that is the size of 
5\1/2\ football fields and a chapel.
  Wally had a deep faith in God and was passionate about giving back to 
the community. His generosity has been felt in Frankenmuth and beyond. 
The Walter and Irene Bronner and Family Foundation, which he founded, 
has made many special things happen for the community, including a new 
auditorium at Frankenmuth High School and ``Operation Sparkle'' that 
provided the equipment needed to clean up Saginaw.
  BRONNER'S CHRISTmas WONDERLAND will continue to delight people of all 
ages across the world, but Wally's presence will surely be missed. I 
want to express my deepest sympathies to his wife Irene Bronner and his 
children Carla Spletzer, Maria Sutorik and Wayne Bronner. Frankenmuth, 
the State of Michigan and Christmas lovers everywhere are forever 
indebted to Wally Bronner.

                          ____________________