[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E789-E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING JACK RICHTMAN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2024

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a truly remarkable 
milestone--the 100th birthday of Mr. Jack Richtman, a true American 
hero.
  Jack's life is a testament to resilience, service, and the enduring 
power of family. A longtime resident of Elburn, Illinois, Jack served 
our Nation with distinction during World War II. Six months after D-
Day, he landed on the beaches of Normandy, bravely fighting in six 
battles as a gunner on a mortar unit for the Army's 71st Infantry 
Division. His contributions were instrumental in aiding Allied forces 
in post-war efforts throughout Europe.

[[Page E790]]

  Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, he faced the challenges of 
the Great Depression, eventually moving to Wisconsin to continue his 
education. While a Junior in high school, Jack's patriotism ignited 
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and he enlisted in the Army Air 
Corps. His dedication to service led him to the artillery unit, where 
he honed his skills through rigorous training in California. After the 
war, Jack served in Austria and returned home with a lifetime of 
memories and a heart full of gratitude for his fellow servicemembers 
and the freedoms he defended.
  Upon returning home, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Karwyn, 
building a life filled with love in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their union 
blossomed into a remarkable family of 12 children, a testament to their 
unwavering commitment to each other. With a degree in chemistry, Jack's 
career led him to Illinois in 1971, eventually landing in Elburn in the 
1990's, where he has resided ever since.
  After 32 years of marriage his wife Karwyn passed away in 1978, but 
Jack's love for family never wavered. He found love again with Mary 
Perkins, a widow with eight children, whom he married in 1980. This 
union brought together a blended family of 19 children, and has 
blossomed to include 52 grandchildren, and 52 great-grandchildren.
  Today, surrounded by his loving family, he stands as a beacon of 
strength, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and service that defined 
his generation. Jack continues to live a fulfilling and energetic life 
in Elburn with his son, Tom.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate Jack Richtman and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Jack Richtman's extraordinary life 
and unwavering patriotism. He is an inspiration to us all, and his 
100th birthday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who 
came before us.

                          ____________________