[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM ``RED'' LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2021

   Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
remarkable man: William ``Red'' Lewis. A Green Bay native and 
successful businessman, Red Lewis personified the entrepreneurial 
spirit generosity Northeast Wisconsin is known for.
  Born in 1942, Red was the youngest of four children. He attended 
Premontre High School (later to become Notre Dame de la Baie Academy) 
and graduated in 1960. After multiple jobs in the Green Bay area, Red 
began his career at the local PDQ car wash, working his way up to 
manager in 1967. Seeing an avenue to improve PDQ's cleanliness and 
efficiency, Red bought the business in 1974.
  To enhance PDQ's customer experience, Red founded PDQ Manufacturing. 
His leadership drove PDQ into becoming the world's largest touchless 
car wash manufacturer with clients in over 30 countries. In recognition 
of his innovation and contribution to the industry, Red was inducted 
into the Car Wash Hall of Fame in 2000 by the International Carwash 
Association.
  Beyond his business success, Red was well-known in the community for 
his kind heart and extensive philanthropy. He was deeply dedicated to 
giving back to a community that has supported him. He was particularly 
fond of supporting the Green Bay Boys & Girls Club, the Lac Baie Girl 
Scout Council, Catholic Charities, Manna for Life Ministries, NEW Zoo 
and St. Willebroad Parish. He was also generous to his alma mater, 
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy, and local veterans organizations.
  Red also had a passion for collecting cars, and in 2016 gifted the 
Green Bay community with The Automobile Gallery. This nonprofit is a 
beautiful addition to Green Bay's downtown whose collection of more 
than 120 automobiles spans 113 years. It boasts a 1912 Maxwell, 1963 
Corvette, and 1982 DeLorean DMC-12, among many other restored models. 
Visitors from across the state come to Green Bay to enjoy the gallery 
which has quickly become a cherished community treasure.
  Madam Speaker, words cannot adequately thank Red for his 
extraordinary commitment to the Green Bay community. His passing will 
be mourned by many across Northeast Wisconsin. My prayers and 
condolences go out to his family and to all the lives he touched

                          ____________________