[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 163 (Friday, October 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF DENNIS AND IRENE KOUDELKA

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                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2025

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 
70th wedding anniversary of Dennis and Irene Koudelka.
  Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka exchanged their vows on July 30, 1955, at St. 
Gerard Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. The couple exchanged 
their vows after Mr. Koudelka returned from the Korean war, where his 
heroic actions awarded him a Bronze Star at the Battle of Pork Chop 
Hill. Mr. Koudelka served our Nation in the United States Army for 
eight years, where he was Active Duty from 1952 to 1954 and a reservist 
from 1954 to 1960.
  Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka have two children, Mrs. Debbie Hannasch and Mr. 
Steve Koudelka. They are the grandparents to Mrs. Amanda Pawkett and 
the great grandparents to Reed and Rylie Pawkett.
  Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka dedicated themselves to serving the community. 
At St. Luke's Catholic Church, Dennis coached football and flag 
football for the parish's Catholic Youth Organization teams. Irene 
served as the church's area chairwoman. She also served as the 
Hillcrest neighborhood chairwoman, in addition to being her daughter's 
Girl Scout Brownie leader.
  Seventy years after they exchanged their vows, they are still 
creating memories with their family, friends and loved ones. Mr. 
Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dennis and Irene Koudelka's 70 years 
of marriage--their love story is one of admiration, respect, hope and 
joy.

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