[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               JOE HARTLE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
and remember Joe Hartle--a friend and a lifelong farmer of Centre 
County, Pennsylvania, which is located in the Commonwealth's Fifth 
Congressional District.
  Joe Hartle was a distinguished leader in both the agricultural and 
fair industries, and was a staple in the Centre County community. 
Sadly, he passed away in March of 2012.
  First elected at the age of 17, Joe served on the Centre County 
Grange Fair committee for more than 60 years. For the past 25 years, 
Joe Hartle faithfully served as president of the Grange Encampment and 
Fair. Joe was instrumental in making the Centre County Grange Fair a 
showcase for agriculture with events to satisfy all ages. Through his 
leadership and hard work, the grange fair has become one of the leading 
fairs in the State. Held annually the week before Labor Day, the Centre 
County Grange Fair has become the largest encampment east of the 
Mississippi, and it highlights Pennsylvania's number one industry--
agriculture.
  In addition to his work, family was always a very important part of 
Joe Hartle's life. He was married to his wife, Gladys, for 56 years. 
They had five children--Linda, Jan, Tom, Deb, and Betsy--and 11 
grandchildren. I want to thank Joe for a life spent serving others and 
a legacy for Centre County that will live on for generations.
  Rest with the Lord, my friend.

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