[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 108 (Thursday, June 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING EAGAN RESIDENT RICK KLEVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANGIE CRAIG

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2020

  Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise together with my Minnesota colleague 
Representative Emmer to honor my Eagan constituent, Richard ``Rick'' 
Kleven, on the incredible milestone of his retirement from Thrivent 
this month after more than 39 years of dedicated service. It has been a 
great experience working with Rick through the years and knowing his 
passion for Thrivent's unique mission as a fraternal benefit society 
connecting financial security and community impact.
  A lifelong Minnesotan and proud ``Iron-Ranger'' who grew up in Grand 
Rapids, MN, Rick is a true Minnesota sports team fan, particularly a 
diehard for our Vikings. He received his J.D. from the University of 
Minnesota Law School and his B.A. from the University of Minnesota-
Duluth. Rick has led Thrivent's Government Affairs activities for more 
than 17 years, and served previously in a number of roles as legal 
counsel and manager of corporate legal functions within the 
organization through his long arc of service which began in 1981 when 
Thrivent was Lutheran Brotherhood.
  Rick has been a great advocate on policy matters on Thrivent's 
behalf, but also walks the walk of Thrivent's mission of service--
something he learned from both of his parents, including his Dad who 
was awarded Itasca County's Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in 
2018. Rick has volunteered as a Big Brother, served as a board member 
for multiple nonprofit organizations, and epitomizes the ubiquitous 
Thrivent t-shirt that says ``Live Generously.'' Recently, he served as 
Chairman of the Board of Gilda's Club Twin Cities, and played a crucial 
role in helping to raise money to build the organization's clubhouse 
that provides support for people with cancer as well as their families 
and friends. Rick also served for 8 years on the board of Person to 
Person, a charitable organization that operates Meals on Wheels and 
various other programs to help the needy in the Twin Cities area. He 
also was part of the original start-up board of FINNEGANS, the first 
beer company in the world to donate 100 percent of profits back to 
local food shelves. Rick currently sits on the board of the American 
Fraternal Alliance, the nationwide coalition of not-for-profit 
fraternal benefit societies.
  I know that Representative Emmer and I speak for many of my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle from Minnesota and beyond when I 
say that Rick's presence will be missed here in DC. However, I hope to 
see Rick back home most likely either walking his dogs or still Living 
Generously helping our neighbors in need. We wish Rick the best in 
retirement. Congratulations.

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