[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF ELMER LEON DAGENAIS OF ESCANABA, MICHIGAN

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
achievements of Elmer Leon Dagenais of Escanaba, Michigan. Elmer was 
beloved by his large family, countless friends and was an Escanaba 
legend. He was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and an active member of 
the community throughout his 93 years.
  Born on January 30, 1917, just blocks from where his store Elmer's 
County Market currently stands, Elmer was the son of John and Alexina 
(Benoit) Dagenais. Elmer started working for his father as a young boy, 
running moonshine and working at the family gas station in Brimley. 
When Elmer was 17 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), 
leading to his involvement in a peace time army program with the goal 
of protecting the nation's natural resources. Elmer attributed his 
lifelong belief in hard work and respect for others to his time in the 
CCC.
  After taking on several jobs outside the Upper Peninsula, including a 
year working for General Motors, Elmer returned to Escanaba and opened 
a grocery store. The store, still operating today, is now 100,000 
square feet and is one of the largest stores in the Upper Peninsula of 
Michigan.
  As a young boy Elmer attended St. Anne's School and later transferred 
to public school, dropping out at the seventh grade to help support his 
family. Last year, his family and Escanaba High School came together to 
present Elmer with an honorary high school diploma and, at age 92, he 
walked alongside his great-grandson as a graduating member of the class 
of 2009.
  Elmer was a member of St. Anne and St. Thomas Catholic Church, the 
Elks, the Eagles, Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. In addition 
to Elmer's County Market, Elmer's many successful business ventures 
included Elmer's Diner, Mel & Elmer's and Elmer's Restaurant. Over the 
years, Elmer was named Citizen of the Year by Escanaba Elks Lodge 354, 
received a Lifetime Achievement Award, the Good News Award and a 
Business of the Year award. From 1957 on, Elmer also purchased 
livestock at the U.P. State Fair from 4-H youth and sponsored local 
sports teams including baseball, bowling and hockey.
  Elmer was not one for sitting idly by, whether at work or at home. He 
took special pride in keeping his lawn green and well maintained atop 
his John Deere tractor, was an avid bowler and a devoted Green Bay 
Packers Fan.
  Elmer was a good friend of mine and my family and our prayers go out 
to his family. His spirit and enthusiasm were contagious and his 
commitment to his family and community was inspiring.
  Madam Speaker, Elmer was a lifelong Yooper who knew the value of a 
hard day's work, the significance of a hand shake and the difference a 
smile and a helping hand can make in a person's life. A family man 
first and foremost, Elmer was a loving husband and proud father and 
grandfather, who devoted his life to improving the lives of those 
around him. Therefore Madam Speaker, I ask that you, and all of my 
colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, join me in honoring 
the life and accomplishments of Elmer Leon Dagenais.

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