[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MARGARET KUCHTA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and great respect 
that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most 
beloved citizens, former Hobart Mayor Margaret Kuchta. Mayor Kuchta, 
who was very much committed to making improvements within the City of 
Hobart and improving the quality of life for its residents, devoted a 
lifetime of service to her community. Margaret was very well known 
throughout Northwest Indiana and will truly be missed. Margaret passed 
away on Thursday, February 23, 2012, but her legacy will continue to 
live on in the hearts of those she served.
  Margaret Kuchta's service in an official capacity began when she was 
elected clerk-treasurer for the City of Hobart, a position she held 
from 1976 to 1987. Margaret then served as Hobart's first elected 
female mayor from 1988 to 1991. Following her tenure as mayor, Mrs. 
Kuchta remained an active member of the community and later served as 
councilwoman for the fifth district from 1996 to 2000, as well as a 
member of the Hobart Township Board from 2002 to 2010. At the time of 
Mrs. Kuchta's election to the city council, she established her place 
in Hobart's history as the only person to hold all three elected 
offices: council member, clerk-treasurer, and mayor. Mrs. Kuchta was 
also a part of many other organizations and boards, dedicating her life 
to making a difference in the lives of others. Mrs. Kuchta is 
remembered as a great leader and committed volunteer, but many also 
recall her as a mentor and trusted political advisor.
  When I began my public career I had few resources and minimal chances 
of success. Margaret did not care, and her encouragement, tireless 
effort, and strong public support in the face of great opposition is 
one reason I am able to address you today as a Member of Congress.
  The kindness Margaret showed to me as a friend is illustrative of her 
caring heart and lifetime of devotion to improving the lives of others; 
sometimes very privately for one individual or family, sometimes very 
publically for many, but always selflessly. Each of us, our community, 
and our nation, are enriched because Margaret Kuchta walked among us.
  Margaret is survived by her beloved sons: Robert, Richard, and 
Michael. She also leaves behind seven beautiful grandchildren, six 
great-grandchildren, and many other dear friends and family.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in remembering the great life of Mrs. Margaret 
Kuchta. Her dedication to the people of her community and the city of 
Hobart is inspirational and most worthy of our admiration and Northwest 
Indiana will forever be grateful for all that she has done.

                          ____________________