[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JERRY KLECZKA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jerry Kleczka. 
He was a true public servant and legislator. He passed away on October 
8, 2017. He was 73 years old.
  Jerry Kleczka grew up on the south side of Milwaukee. He graduated 
from Don Bosco High School, attended the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee for two years, worked as an accountant and served in the 
Wisconsin National Guard. Jerry Kleczka was elected to the Wisconsin 
State Legislature at age 24 where he served in both the Assembly and 
Senate. In 1984, he won a special election to replace Clement Zablocki 
in Congress and served for over two decades until his retirement in 
2005. I succeeded Jerry Kleczka in the 4th Congressional District and 
appreciate his kindness in assisting me through the transition to 
Washington. He gave me a gift of African cloth from one of his trips 
that I cherish to this day.
  While in Congress, Jerry Kleczka served on the powerful House Ways 
and Means Committee; he formed a warm and lasting friendship with 
Representative John Lewis during that tenure. He twice voted against 
going to war--the Gulf War in 1991 and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. 
Some of his signature legislation included support for seniors and 
preventing ``drive-through'' baby deliveries when insurance companies 
forced some women to leave hospitals too soon after giving birth.
  Jerry Kleczka was a serious, hard-working legislator with a strong 
work ethic. He took pride in being the guy from the south side of 
Milwaukee.
  When my alma mater, Marquette University began an internship program 
in Washington, D.C., in 1984 for students interested in careers in 
government and public service, Kleczka was a strong supporter. Jerry 
Kleczka donated his campaign funds of $300,000 to endow what became in 
2005 the Kleczka Internship Program. He was awarded an honorary 
doctorate of law degree in 2005 by Marquette University. Many of the 
interns serving in my office were members of this program; this is 
Jerry Kleczka's lasting legacy to the entire community.
  Upon his retirement, Jerry moved to Middleton. Middleton was 
Bonnie's, his wife of 39 years, hometown. He lived quietly and was busy 
with hobbies that included gardening, woodworking and remodeling 
projects.
  Mr. Speaker, Jerry Kleczka was a valued member of Milwaukee, the 4th 
Congressional District, and the entire State of Wisconsin. I applaud 
and value his stewardship. I urge you and my colleagues in the U.S. 
House of Representatives to join me in a salute to the late Jerry 
Kleczka.

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