[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 138 (Tuesday, August 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING FREDERICK WILLIAM RUSTEBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 4, 2020

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
extraordinary life of Frederick William Rusteberg of Brownsville, 
Texas. Mr. Rusteberg played an instrumental role in the economic and 
educational development of the Brownsville community.
  Born in Brownsville, Texas, on July 1, 1946, Mr. Rusteberg attended 
Brownsville High School and then Texas A&M University, where he earned 
a bachelor's degree in finance. He later attended Texas Tech 
University, where he completed his graduate studies and met his future 
wife, Frances Hill.
  In his youth he trained as a Huey helicopter pilot and served in the 
U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in South Korea. He later returned to 
Brownsville where he worked as the assistant Port Director at the Port 
of Brownsville. He then went on to become the Vice-President at First 
National Bank, and in 1984, became the founding President and CEO of 
IBC Bank in Brownsville, where he served for over 35 years until his 
retirement.
  Mr. Rusteberg was not only a successful businessman; he was also a 
respected leader in his community. He served on many academic and city 
boards throughout his career where he helped to build the city of 
Brownsville's economy and raise millions of dollars to support 
education in the Rio Grande Valley. His family established the first 
scholarship endowment at the University of Texas at Brownsville, now 
known as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
  Mr. Rusteberg was a man of great character who helped inspire and 
motivate those around him. In an interview with UT Brownsville Mr. 
Rusteberg said, ``I believe we have a certain amount of control over 
our destiny--you can either sit by and watch things happen, or you can 
help make them happen.'' Mr. Rusteberg made great things happen.
  Mr. Rusteberg is survived by his loving wife Frances, his children 
William (Tammy) Rusteberg and Liz Rusteberg (Chad) Hainley, his two 
grandchildren Jessie and William Hainley, and his sisters Joy (Bill) 
Burns and June (Adolph) Dittman.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Mr. Frederick William Rusteberg. He will be remembered as a great 
banker, a great boss, a great mentor and a great friend. He was a 
fundamental part of the South Texas community and his legacy will 
forever be remembered. I join his family in honoring his exemplary 
life.

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