[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 55 (Monday, March 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E261-E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF MARVIN KAHN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 27, 2023

  Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
the life of Marvin Kahn, a proud champion of Florida's citrus industry.
  Marvin was born in Sebring, Florida on April 18, 1933. From his 
earliest days, he grew to appreciate his family's orange groves with 
his sister and two brothers. It was clear from an early age that Marvin 
was on track to do great things in our community's agricultural sector. 
He developed a keen interest in both oranges and cattle. In high 
school, he joined the Future Farmers of America, served on student 
council and was elected as a class officer each year.
  Marvin pursued an agricultural education at the University of 
Florida, where he graduated in 1956 with a major in Animal Science and 
a minor in Citrus. It was there that he met his future wife, Elsa 
Babette Kessler. They later had two children, Steven and Leah.

[[Page E262]]

  After graduating, Marvin put his expertise into practice by 
developing a cattle ranch in Hardee County. He and Elsa lived there for 
two years before moving back home to Sebring to manage his family's 
groves. He then founded Kahn Groves, Inc. to manage his family's 
property. Marvin later expanded his operations by launching Kahn Grove 
Services in 1969 to care for properties in Highlands, Hardee and Polk 
counties. He quickly developed a reputation as a ``grower's grower'' 
thanks to his philosophy of providing personalized service for his 
customers.
  Marvin served on the Florida Citrus Commission from 1971 to 1979 at a 
time when the industry was booming. He was a member of the Highlands 
County and Florida Farm Bureau for more than 65 years, serving as 
president of the board. He also served as president of the Highlands 
County Cattleman's Association and First President of the Florida Beef 
Council. Marvin was deeply committed to FFA and was a founding member 
of the Highlands County 4-H Club Foundation. He was honored for his 
significant contributions to Florida agriculture with his induction 
into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 2018.
  On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I know that 
Marvin will be deeply missed by our community. But his contributions 
will be remembered by his friends, family and neighbors for years to 
come.

                          ____________________