[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING ERNEST AND JOAN RISTER ON THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2017

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while January 1967 brought record-
breaking snowstorms to Chicago, Texas had temperatures in the mid-70s. 
This was perfect for Ernest and Joan Rister of Round Rock, Texas, who 
joined hands on January 22, 1967 at St. Cyril Methodist Catholic Church 
in Granger, Texas to become husband and wife.
  Decades have passed and the Risters are as devoted to one another as 
the day they wed. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with 
over 400 guests honoring their Czech and German roots. All in 
attendance celebrated the Risters' longevity and deep love for one 
another.
  They met in grade school while living in Granger, TX and started 
dating their freshman year. These two high school sweethearts have been 
inseparable ever since. Following their wedding, Ernest graduated from 
Southwestern University in Georgetown and served in the United States 
Marine Corps. They returned to Texas and moved to Round Rock in 1975, 
living in the same house ever since.
  Ernest currently works as a research chemist and Joan is a retired 
real estate appraiser. They love the outdoors, gardening, hunting, and 
fishing. They especially enjoy spending time with their son Ernest Lee 
Rister, III and his wife Annie, daughter Shelley and her husband 
Malcolm Middlebrook, and two grandchildren Camryn and Zachary 
Middlebrook. There's no doubt the Risters have built a happy life 
together.
  Marriages like the Risters are the foundations of one of our most 
cherished institutions and give us all an ideal to which we can aspire. 
Their undying love for one another makes both Texas and our nation 
strong. I congratulate Joan and Ernest on 50 years together and wish 
them the best in the years to come.

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