[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 204 (Thursday, December 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. ZACHARY JACOB ``ZAC'' PLANTZ

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2020

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my 
dedicated staff member and friend, Zachary Jacob ``Zac'' Plantz. His 
life was tragically taken in a car accident on November 26th at the age 
of 27. Zac was an incredibly gifted young man who had immeasurable 
potential and the ability to bring joy to others. He loved his family, 
served his community, and was passionate about helping people.
  A Frankfort native and lifelong Chicago loyalist, Zac was a proud 
graduate of Providence Catholic High School and the University of Notre 
Dame where he played for the Fighting Irish rugby team. After college, 
Zac began his career as a successful consultant, but found a new sense 
of purpose in pursuing his true passion for public service. In 2018, 
Zac began his political career by coordinating a Chicago mayoral 
campaign for Jerry Joyce, Jr. Last year, I brought Zac into my campaign 
and quickly learned what a gifted young man he was. Before long, he 
became my Campaign Manager. After the campaign, Zac joined my 
congressional staff as a Senior Policy Advisor. During his time in my 
office, he demonstrated a great ability to bring people together and 
make a difference in the lives of constituents in Illinois's 3rd 
Congressional District. Zac's contagious energy and ability to lift 
people up was nothing short of remarkable.
  Though Zac had many career accomplishments in his short life, he also 
demonstrated his exceptional character through charitable endeavors. 
For the past six years, Zac ran sixty miles in November to raise money 
for Movember, a charitable organization dedicated to improving men's 
mental health. His efforts through this organization will have a 
lasting impact on countless lives.
  Zac was a friend to so many of us and I extend my heartfelt 
condolences to Zac' s loving parents Ron and Laura, his siblings Logan, 
Tyler, and Abby, his longtime girlfriend Kathleen, and all of Zac's 
family and friends. While his journey on Earth might be over, his 
legacy will live on in the advice he gave, the stories he told, and the 
people he brought together.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Zachary ``Zac'' Plantz. He was a man who lived his life for others and 
brought joy into the world. I know that Zac's passion and commitment to 
his family, friends, and community will have a lasting impact on all of 
us.

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