[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING DOROTHY ``DOT'' WIEKAMP'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2014

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mrs. Dorothy 
``Dot'' Wiekamp, who reached the milestone of her 100th birthday on 
March 15, 2014. Mrs. Wiekamp is a truly remarkable woman who is known 
in our community as an outstanding volunteer, community leader, 
philanthropist, mother, and grandmother.
  Dot met her late husband Darwin at Mishawaka High School and the two 
married in 1936, forming what many have called ``the perfect team.'' 
Together the Wiekamps began a family, built a business, and created a 
legacy in our local community.
  In 1945, the Wiekamps founded the Owners Discount Corporation in 
Elkhart, Indiana. The business serviced customers who were overlooked 
by other banks, specializing in small loans for cars and new 
businesses. After purchasing the West End State Bank of Mishawaka in 
1966, Owners Discount continued to grow, changing its name several 
times, until finally becoming National City Bank.
  The Wiekamp's business success gave way to their philanthropic 
efforts. The couple played an instrumental role in the building of 
Memorial Children's Hospital in South Bend and also generously gave 
their time and money to the construction of the Schwartz Wiekamp 
Medical Center in Mishawaka. These efforts continue to play a key role 
in ensuring that local children have access to quality healthcare.
  In regards to higher education, the Wiekamps have contributed to 
numerous institutions and scholarships. The couple helped fund the main 
classroom building, Wiekamp Hall, at Indiana University--South Bend. 
They built the Wiekamp Athletic Facility at Bethel College and the 
Dorothy Wiekamp Demonstration Kitchen at Ivy Tech Community College. In 
addition, the couple provided funding for the Schwartz Tennis Center at 
Purdue University.
  Mrs. Wiekamp was also instrumental in the construction of a new 
auditorium at the Northern Indiana Center for History, as well as the 
South Bend Center for the Homeless.
  Throughout her life, Dot has been involved in numerous community 
organizations. She served on the board of trustees for the Northern 
Indiana Historical Society, as president of the Mishawaka Visiting 
Nurses Association, and is a founding member of the Mishawaka YMCA.
  From philanthropic support to countless charities and educational 
institutions to leadership on the boards of our community's most 
important organizations, the Wiekamps have left a legacy in our local 
community. I am forever grateful for their service and dedication.
  It is a privilege to recognize Dot Wiekamp, a woman whose admirable 
service and commitment to the local community is truly inspirational. 
On behalf of Indiana's Second District, I wish her a happy 100th 
birthday and many more to come.

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