[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE K. STEIL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2009

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a devoted husband, 
and a personal friend and mentor. George K. Steil, Sr. was a pillar of 
integrity and leadership in the Janesville community and the state of 
Wisconsin. George passed away less than a month ago at his home in 
Janesville, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the countless 
lives he touched--myself included. He will be sorely missed, but will 
never, ever, be forgotten.
  George was born in Western Wisconsin in 1924, and served his nation 
with honor in World War II as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Amphibious 
Forces in both New Guinea and the Philippines. Shortly after his return 
from service, George married the beautiful Mavis Andrews in 1947 in 
Darlington, Wisconsin.
  George is an institution at the University of Wisconsin--having 
received a Doctor of Law Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 
1950, been named a lecturer at UW in 1974, and having received the law 
school's highest honor--the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1991. 
He was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson to the UW Board of Regents, 
serving as the Board's President from 1992-1994, as well as Chairperson 
of the UW Medical Foundation and member of the UW Hospital Authority.
  He had among the most illustrious legal careers of any in the State 
of Wisconsin, serving on numerous statewide--and international--
committees and associations. George was elected president of the State 
Bar in 1976, and later honored by the Wisconsin Bar Foundation as the 
9th recipient of the Charles L. Goldberg Distinguished Service Award 
for his outstanding public service as a citizen, an attorney, and a 
humanitarian.
  His leadership in the community was also unparalleled. He has served 
as President and Senior Partner of Brennan, Steil, and Basting in 
Janesville, having been with the firm from 1960 until his death. George 
had been President of Janesville's Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the 
Board of Directors of Bank One in Janesville; and took countless other 
leading roles in both the public and private sector. He had also been 
recognized for his commitment to the Catholic Church and the Diocese of 
Madison. George's commitment to faith was evident in all he did, as his 
service to God was manifest in his tireless service to others.
  His long list of achievements and honors fails to do justice in 
describing the type of man George Steil was. My father was George's law 
partner, and I had the privilege of getting to know the Steil family 
during the formative years of my life. Because I lost my father at a 
young age, George became a mentor of mine. He gave me the kind of 
fatherly guidance and encouragement that I so desperately needed as I 
grew up and faced life's many challenges. Unlike any other, I looked to 
George as a role model, and was blessed to be taken under his wing.
  George Steil dedicated his life to the service of others: to his 
fellow countrymen in the U.S. Army; to his neighbors--especially those 
most vulnerable--in Janesville, Rock County, and Wisconsin; to his 
clients, his customers, and fellow parishioners; and--most 
passionately--to his friends and his family.
  To George's four children: George, Jr. and wife Patricia; John of 
Janesville; Michelle and husband Patrick; and Marcelaine and husband 
John. Your father will forever be one of Janesville's finest.
  To his two great-grandchildren and ten grandchildren, including my 
former and future staffers Bryan and Allison Steil: your grandfather's 
zest for life and selfless commitment to service provides a guiding 
light for you to follow for years to come.
  To his wife Mavis: For your unconditional love and support over the 
years, I will forever be in debt to you and to your husband.
  My prayers and my eternal gratitude remain with the Steil family.

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