[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF STATE SENATOR GARY W. KUBLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the life of Senator Gary W. Kubly, public servant and 
Lutheran Pastor. Senator Kubly passed away earlier this month at the 
age of 68, after a hard-fought battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. As our 
community mourns the loss of this beloved civic leader, we must pause 
to celebrate Gary's legacy and reflect upon his years of service.
  Gary's lifelong career of service began when he joined the United 
States Air Force during the late 1960s. After leaving the military, 
Gary became a public school teacher prior to moving to Minnesota in 
1970 to attend Luther Theological Seminary in Saint Paul. After 
graduating from Luther Seminary in 1974, Gary began his career as a 
Lutheran Pastor, serving two churches near Granite Falls, Minnesota 
prior to his election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 
1996.
  Throughout his 15 years in the Minnesota Legislature, Gary touched 
many lives, and his absence will be felt by all who had the privilege 
of knowing him. I was honored to serve with him for four years in the 
Minnesota House of Representatives prior to his election to the 
Minnesota Senate. He was a constant voice for the residents of the 
counties he served in southwestern Minnesota, making sure rural 
communities had an advocate at the Capitol.
  Whether serving our country, his Church or his constituents, Gary's 
dedication to serving others was remarkable. His sense of duty and 
honor are irreplaceable, and his voice will be missed at the Capitol.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in this tribute to Senator Gary W. Kubly.

                          ____________________