[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 201 (Monday, November 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   HONORING THE LIFE OF TOM UNTERMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 30, 2020

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Tom Untermann 
who passed away on October 27, 2020, at the age of 73 after a lifetime 
of exemplary public service to his community.
  Born in 1947 to Anne and Karl Untermann, Tom followed in his family's 
footsteps in developing deep roots in the community through the family 
business. His great uncle, Richard Lohrmann, emigrated from Germany in 
1909 to San Rafael in pursuit of the American dream. Upon arrival, he 
purchased a small plot of land and opened a neighborhood nursery. In 
1954, having inherited the family green thumb, Tom's father purchased 
the nursery. Today, West End Nursery celebrates 110 years as a valued 
business of San Rafael.
  In his youth, Tom excelled as an athlete both at San Rafael High 
School and the University of California, Davis, where he won two 
conference championships as a power forward for the basketball team. It 
was at UC Davis that Tom met his wife, Merrie, and the two returned to 
San Rafael to raise their sons, Chris and Kurt. Once back in San 
Rafael, Tom inherited West End Nursery from his father, becoming a 
third generation family owner.
  Working closely with his son Chris, Tom fostered a welcoming 
environment at the nursery, sharing his vast knowledge of plants with 
all customers, from experienced green thumbs to first time gardeners. 
Every December, with the support of Merrie and his daughter-in-law 
Barbara, Tom would construct a beautiful Christmas display within the 
nursery inviting community members to visit and marvel in the holiday 
spirit.
  Tom's positive impact on the community extended beyond the nursery. 
He spent many years coaching San Rafael High School athletics and 
played a lead role in the construction of the high school's new 
baseball field, investing many years and his personal funds into the 
project. In honor of his tireless dedication to community athletics, 
Tom was awarded a special recognition by the Marin Athletic Foundation 
Hall of Fame in 2007.
  Tom was a well-respected community leader who will be remembered for 
his generosity of spirit and enduring commitment to public service. He 
is survived by wife, Merrie; sons, Chris and Kurt; daughters-in-law, 
Barbara and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Walker, Wade, Waylen, Tanner, 
Hudson, and Emilia; and siblings, Richard, Dennis and Jeanne. Madam 
Speaker, while Tom Untermann will be greatly missed, his legacy will 
live on through the indelible positive impact he had on his many 
friends, family and the community at large. Please join me in extending 
our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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