[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E226-E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HUSTON GNODTKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2026

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of William Huston Gnodtke, a steadfast public servant, devoted husband 
and father, and a tireless advocate for the State of Michigan, who 
passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 87.
  Prior to starting his long career in politics, Mr. Gnodtke proudly 
served our Nation for two years as a communications specialist in the 
United States Army. His military service reflected the same sense of 
duty, patriotism, and discipline that would define his commitment to 
public service.
  After his military service, Mr. Gnodtke became a respected fixture in 
Michigan politics, spending 18 years on staff with the Michigan House 
Republican Caucus, including a two-year stint as executive director. He 
later served as finance director for the Michigan Republican Party. In 
each of these roles, he worked diligently to shape policy and 
strengthen Northern Michigan leadership in Lansing. In 1988, he founded 
Gnodtke & Associates, a fundraising and political consulting firm that 
supported Republican candidates and conservative causes across our 
great state.
  Mr. Gnodtke's involvement with the Republican Party ran deep. He 
served as a Michigan presidential elector for President Gerald Ford in 
1976, state party treasurer, and for more than 30 years as a precinct 
delegate and county party officer in Ingham and Clinton counties. In 
addition to his party leadership, he served on the Michigan Board of 
State Canvassers and as a Clinton County commissioner, always seeking 
to improve the communities he called home.
  After retiring to Northern Michigan in 1997, Mr. Gnodtke began what 
would become an impressive 21-year tenure on the Mackinaw Bridge 
Authority, including 16 years as chair. His steadfast and principled 
leadership ensured that the Bridge's operational and financial 
independence remained firmly intact.
  Mr. Speaker, let us join in recognizing Mr. William Gnodtke, whose 
life was marked by service to his country, his party, and fellow 
neighbor. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend 
my deepest condolences to the entire Gnodtke family.

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