[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 7 (Monday, January 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING GERALD BOSCHWITZ

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, today I wish to honor and pay 
tribute to Gerald Boschwitz, who passed away on December 30, 2018.
  Gerry's life was defined by his enduring kindness and commitment to 
his family. The son of Ellen and former U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz, 
Gerry came from a family that valued service and decency. During his 
life, he embodied these values and passed them on to his children as 
well.
  I went to Wayzata High School with Gerry. An accomplished student, he 
then attended Carleton College where he studied political science, a 
subject for which his family life prepared him very well.
  Gerry, or ``the Gerb'' as he was known to his family, was the first 
of Rudy and Ellen's four sons and the leader of his pack. Gerry was a 
quintessential oldest son and big brother, serving as both a mentor and 
a sounding board for those he loved. Whether it was helping his father 
on the campaign trail, or his brothers make career decisions, Gerry 
always showed up, ready to give his support.
  Gerry also worked alongside his siblings at the family's Plywood 
Minnesota/Home Valu Interiors business for 25 years, stepping in as CEO 
when his father was ready to pass the torch. He later cofounded a 
business of his own.
  His commitment to his work often made him the first one up in the 
morning and out the door, but that didn't stop him from putting his 
family first, including leaving voicemails for his wife Janet at her 
work so that his voice was the first she would hear in the morning.
  Gerry's family--his wife Janet and their sons David, Benjamin, and 
Michael--was truly the centerpiece of his life. Gerry was deeply 
committed to the Boy Scouts and served as an assistant scoutmaster for 
more than a decade. The Scouts played an important role in the lives of 
his sons as well--all three Eagle Scouts--something Gerry was very 
proud of.
  Gerry fought valiantly against his multiple myeloma cancer for 4\1/2\ 
years, undergoing numerous treatments including a stem cell transplant 
and a natural killer cell transplant. In keeping with the kindness and 
generosity that defined so much of his life, Gerry's final gift to 
others was the knowledge researchers will gain from his experience.
  That final act is no surprise to those who knew him best.
  May his memory be a blessing.
  Thank you.

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