[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE SONDGEROTH'S 67TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
couple from Mendota, Illinois, Lester and Mary Rita Sondgeroth, on the 
celebration of their sixty-seventh wedding anniversary. The love and 
dedication required through 67 years of marriage is a shining example 
of what a bond as strong as theirs can achieve, and I commend them on 
all those special years together. This is truly a significant milestone 
and one that only a very few are fortunate enough to celebrate in their 
lifetime.
  Lester and Mary Rita Sondgeroth were united in marriage on February 
10, 1943 at the Holy Cross Church in Mendota where the couple has made 
their home to this day. Throughout the years, the Sondgeroths were 
blessed with five children--the late Dean Sondgeroth, the late Dianna 
Neisess, Debra Peters, Dru Sondgeroth, and Denise Burnette. They now 
have the pleasure of spending time with their five grandchildren--Scott 
Peters, Adam Peters, Brandon Burnette, Austin Burnette, and lastly Ryan 
Peters who I am proud to say is an outstanding member of my District 
Office staff in Vista, California.
  A 67th wedding anniversary reminds us that marriage is not an instant 
achievement but a covenant that requires love, patience, and respect. 
Lester and Mary Rita Sondgeroth have perfected this commitment to each 
other and are truly blessed to have a strong marriage, their family, 
and a lifetime of memories. As they live each day by their wedding 
vows, they continue to inspire all who are fortunate to know them.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Lester and Mary Rita Sondgeroth on this momentous occasion and sending 
our best wishes for many more years of love and happiness.

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