[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23138]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH VINCENT TREBAT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, the adjournment of the 107th Congress means 
we shall soon be bidding goodbye to the year 2002. The weeks ahead will 
be filled with reviews of the headlines and history of 2002. 
Unfortunately, 2002 marks the passing of an even greater number of 
individuals who made up what some refer to as the ``Greatest 
Generation.'' The men and women who sacrificed much and rose to meet 
the awesome challenges confronting our great nation in the aftermath of 
World War II are dying off in greater numbers each year.
  Today, I wish to recognize the life of one such individual who 
embodied the self sacrifice, uniquely American optimism, and genuine 
goodness of this generation--Joseph Vincent Trebat of Mount Prospect, 
IL. Joseph Trebat passed on to eternal life on August 14th but left 
behind a legion of family and friends whose lives have been infinitely 
enriched because of his life.
  Joseph Trebat, ``Dad'' to his six children, ``Papa'' to his twenty-
one grandchildren and two great grandchildren and ``Joe'' to his 
beautiful bride of 66 years, Lauretta, will be sorely missed. It is 
often said of men like Joe that he lived a good life. For Joe, however, 
it is more important to add that his was a life well led.
  Joe's life was truly an American life. The son of Slovak immigrants, 
Joe grew up in Chicago and was by all accounts a self-made man. He 
worked his way through college and spent 50 years at the same company. 
He brought the same dedication to his family. His priorities never 
changed--work hard, enjoy life and provide a better future for his wife 
and children. The lives led by his six children: Mary Ann, Tom, Patty, 
Dottie, Joe and Kathy, evidence Joe's greatest success in life. To meet 
Lauretta, or ``Stella'' as Joe lovingly referred to her, is to 
understand what it means to be in the company of a kind and happy 
person. Joe may have been born Slovak but his marriage to Lauretta 
demonstrated he was blessed with the luck of the Irish.
  Joe's naturally twinkling eyes could bring cheer to anyone. Those who 
enjoyed his company, whether joining Joe on the back porch of his house 
on Wa Pella, playing golf in one of the Trebat Golf Opens or cheering 
on his beloved Notre Dame, knew they could count on no shortage of 
laughter and fun. With its number one fan rooting for them from heaven 
it is no wonder that Notre Dame is experiencing such a winning football 
season in 2002.
  Joe was a gentle giant who will be missed by all. A man for others 
who's strong faith and love of family was always steadfast and never 
wavering. When we talk of the ``Greatest Generation'' it is men like 
Joe who come to mind. While he will always be missed, he will forever 
be a model for future generations.

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