[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CHIP GERDES

  (Mrs. WAGNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to honor a legendary man, a 
loyal soldier in the battle for freedom in this great country--Chip 
Gerdes of my neighboring State of Illinois.
  Chip suddenly passed away this morning in his home, where he was a 
loving father and a devoted husband. He was a loyal friend to me and to 
my family and was a faithful patriot to so many. Chip was the type of 
person we all strive to be in politics: he reached across all divides 
to bring people together for a common purpose.
  I know Chip is smiling down on all of us today, cracking a joke about 
how serious we are about a man who never missed an opportunity to 
lighten the mood--and who would always fire up the room. Chip Gerdes 
will be missed by many, but his memory and his fight will continue.
  We love you, Chip. We already miss you, and we will never stop 
fighting for what you devoted your life to defend: life, liberty, and 
the pursuit of happiness. Rest easy, my friend. We've got it from here.

                          ____________________