[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORIAM OF SARALEE MCCLELLAND KUNDE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, we rise today in memory of Saralee 
McClelland Kunde, who passed away on January 26, 2014 after a long 
battle with cancer. In 1938, her parents, Robert and Lillian ``Sweet 
Lil'' McClelland purchased a milk route in Marin County and 
subsequently entered the dairy business, hand-milking 18 brown Swiss 
cows. Born in Marin Saralee hurled herself into the dairy operation and 
into 4-H, raising Holsteins and showing them at local fairs.
   Revered as a superstar by others who work to promote the county's 
grapes, wines, milk and other bounty, and to preserve its ranch and 
farmlands, Kunde championed the Sonoma County Harvest Fair since its 
inception and was a key player in the Select Sonoma County marketing 
campaign and the Russian River Valley Winegrowers.
   A generous philanthropist, Saralee rallied others to contribute to 
myriad Sonoma County causes, including the 4-H Center in Rohnert Park. 
Tireless and innovative, Kunde constantly enacted strategies to promote 
the Harvest Fair and the Sonoma County Fair, challenge and inspire 
youth involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, fortify 
cooperation among grape growers and other producers, and introduce the 
general public to the farm experience.
   The depth of Saralee's commitment to agriculture in Sonoma County 
fueled many efforts to unite ranchers and farmers and to propel their 
products into national markets. She was a formidable force in uniting 
the diverse and often conflicting members of the agricultural 
community.
   Mr. Speaker, Saralee Kunde's vibrant life is proof positive that one 
woman can make a difference. The legacy she leaves will not soon be 
forgotten as much of her legacy lives on all around us in Sonoma County 
and beyond. It is therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to her 
today and honor her memory.

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