[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 188 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF MR. PAUL WRABEC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 26, 2021

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
celebrate the life and legacy of a dear friend, an ambitious leader, 
and a dedicated public servant: Paul Wrabec. Paul, who passed away on 
October 20th, never faltered from advocating for the causes he was 
deeply passionate about, and his advocacy undoubtedly made Jackson 
County a better place to call home. As a beloved and active member of 
the Greater Kansas City community, he created change and inspired 
future generations of policy makers to lead with a sense of conviction. 
Paul will be missed dearly, and his life is well worth remembering.
  A lifelong resident of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Paul comes from a proud 
Croatian and Slavic family that immigrated to the United States in the 
early 1900s. Growing up in this thriving immigrant community, Paul was 
taught the values of equality, union rights, and environmental 
stewardship. Throughout his life, Paul remained committed to those 
values as he led a fulfilling career as a civil servant.
  A graduate of St. Mary High School and Rockhurst University, Wrabec 
retired from environmental remediation work in 2005. Operating the 
Kansas City, Sugar Creek, and Independence License offices with his 
son, Cyril, Paul ensured that disabled and elderly members of the 
community had access to much needed services. But his impact as an 
empathetic community member didn't stop there.
  Paul also served on the Sugar Creek Board of Aldermen, and then was 
first elected to the Jackson County Democratic Party committee in 1978 
and was its longest-serving chairperson in nearly 100 years. He was 
known throughout Jackson County for being able to ``run circles'' 
around others in fundraising and for constantly raising the bar for 
successful local campaigns. Always emphasizing the importance of 
voting, Paul worked tirelessly to rally communities throughout 
Independence and Sugar Creek ahead of critical elections.
  While Paul certainly wore his political beliefs on his sleeve as a 
loyal Democrat, he was a steadfast believer in building relationships 
with those across the aisle. Indeed, he found ways to make peace with 
people from all walks of life, and his gentle demeanor and contagious 
smile always made him a joy to be around. There is no doubt that he 
established a connection with every individual he came across.
  Looking beyond his extraordinary work as a public official, Paul was 
a heartfelt family man who enjoyed hunting and fishing at the Lake of 
the Ozarks with his family. Making time for his loved ones was always 
his first priority. Paul's storytelling of family history and generous 
nature will be missed, but all those who have met him will still have 
felt his impact for the rest of their lives.
  Many still remember times when Paul picked up hitchhikers, gave money 
to the homeless, and happily lent a helping hand to anyone needing 
anything.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in remembering the inspiring, impactful 
life of Paul Wrabec. Please also join me in offering condolences to his 
family and all those mourning his loss. Let us seek to emulate his 
example in the work we do here by preserving Paul's story of public 
service and human empathy.