[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORIAM DON W. STRAUCH JR. APRIL 8, 1926--JANUARY 11, 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KYRSTEN SINEMA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Don W. Strauch Jr. 
(Mayor Strauch), Mayor of Mesa, AZ from 1980-1984, Mesa City Council 
Member from 1972-1978 and Arizona State Representative from 1987-1988. 
In 2003, Mayor Strauch was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of 
Fame for his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, his work 
with the American Legion, VFW, and his contributions as a civic leader.
  Mayor Strauch was instrumental in creating the Mesa that we know 
today. He launched the Mesa Sister Cities program and championed the 
proposed Mesa Arts Center; he broke down walls of discrimination and 
advanced civil rights throughout Mesa and Arizona. His negotiations 
with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) convinced the company to locate in 
Mesa. Mesa Fire and Medical is a model of efficiency and innovation 
today because of the groundwork that Mayor Strauch did during his time 
as mayor. He saw Mesa libraries as a vital community asset and worked 
to improve them.
  Mayor Strauch's optimism, pragmatism and sincere belief in the 
greatness of Mesa and its citizens were always at the center of his 
work. He had the strength to put partisan issues aside and work with a 
diverse group of community partners during an important time in Mesa's 
growth. His humility and pragmatism are leadership examples that we can 
all learn from in our work as Members of Congress.
  Mayor Strauch died on January 11, 2016 after complications from a 
fall. He leaves behind his beloved wife Chris, his partner in all 
things for over 66 years, his daughter Christy and a large and loving 
family. Members, please join me in extending condolences to Mayor 
Strauch's family and the City of Mesa on the inconsolable loss of this 
extraordinary man. Mayor Strauch will be dearly missed and fondly 
remembered by everyone whose life was made better because of his 
selfless contributions.

                          ____________________