[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H7397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOE SCHNEIDER

  (Ms. DUCKWORTH asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, today I want to tell the story of a 
constituent of mine whose life has exemplified the American Dream.
  Joe Schneider was born in Kernei, Yugoslavia, in 1929. While his 
father was off fighting in World War II, Joe led his displaced family 
on a journey throughout Eastern Europe. As refugees, the war years were 
extremely challenging, and he eventually lost a leg at the age of 15.
  His family was given the opportunity to leave Austria and arrived in 
the U.S. as immigrants in 1951. Without speaking a word of English, he 
set out to start working as a tailor. He finally lived his dream when 
he founded Joe's Tailor Shop at 50. For more than 25 years, his small 
family business created employment and provided for more than 20 
families. As a resident of Hanover Park, Illinois, Joe was known for 
his commitment to his community.
  In 1953, Joe met Katharina Schaeffer, who was also an immigrant from 
Kernei. They had three children and three grandchildren together. The 
family was blessed to be able to celebrate Joe and Katharina's 60th 
wedding anniversary in February.
  Unfortunately, Joe passed away recently, but his American Dream and 
love for his country and his family will live on forever. I send my 
condolences to his family and especially to Herman, his son, who 
continues that tradition of the American Dream and is leading 
manufacturing in our district, adding to the strength of this Nation.

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