[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MERL PAAVERUD

 Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I wish to honor Merl Paaverud, 
who is retiring later this year after serving the State of North Dakota 
for the past 31 years. Merl has dedicated his life and career to 
documenting and preserving our State's history, and it is only fitting 
that his retirement culminates as North Dakota celebrates its 125th 
anniversary.
  In 1983, Merl began his career with the State of North Dakota as 
supervisor for the Fort Totten State Historic Site where he had the 
challenge of managing the upkeep of the 1867 military post. After his 
service at Fort Totten, Merl was the grants administrator in the Office 
of Intergovernmental Assistance. From 1993 to 2001, he served as 
director of the North Dakota Archaeology and Historic Preservation 
Division.
  Merl understands the importance of documenting and preserving the 
lives and stories of our State and its people for future generations. 
For the past 13 years, Merl has served as the director of the North 
Dakota State Historical Society. In this position, he led a significant 
expansion and renovation of the North Dakota Heritage Center and State 
Museum. Under his leadership, the center has become the ``Smithsonian 
of the Plains.'' In addition, he has played a pivotal role in the 
purchase of the boyhood home of Lawrence Welk, which will highlight the 
region's strong German-Russian heritage along with the important role 
of agriculture in our State.
  Merl's passion and commitment to public service has been demonstrated 
through his service to our country during his time in the U.S. Air 
Force and in every position he has held throughout his years with the 
State of North Dakota. This dedication has not gone unnoticed by his 
peers or the public. His ever present smile and steady leadership will 
be missed. I want to thank Merl for his years of public service to the 
people of North Dakota, current and past, and wish him a happy and full 
retirement.

                          ____________________