[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF THOMAS ROY BIRKENSTOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
service of Mr. Thomas ``Tom'' Roy Birkenstock of Burlington, Iowa, who 
passed away on August 15, 2023.
  Mr. Birkenstock was born on July 16, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa to Roy 
George and Marjorie Maude Holsteen Birkenstock. A lifelong farmer, he 
graduated from Iowa State University in 1966 with a degree in Animal 
Science. Mr. Birkenstock also served 6 years in the National Guard. He 
married Sue Ellen Maupin on February 26, 1966, and together, they have 
3 children and many more grandchildren.
  Those who knew Mr. Birkenstock will tell you that he was always 
generous and kind. He never knew a stranger, and happily engaged every 
individual he met. Mr. Birkenstock always put family first and 
committed much of his time to his grandchildren. In his free time, Mr. 
Birkenstock was passionate about golfing, woodworking, hunting, 
fishing, and sports; he was a loud and proud supporter of the Iowa 
Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. A devoted man 
of faith, Mr. Birkenstock was a longtime member of the Knights of 
Columbus fraternal organization and St. Mary's Catholic Church in 
Dodgeville, where he served on the church council and taught Sunday 
School. His generosity and contributions towards his local community 
were unmatched and will be remembered for many years to come.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize Mr. Birkenstock's life and service to our Nation. 
He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

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