[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24416]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ROBERT RINGLEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today with a heavy heart, 
as I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in honoring the 
life and accomplishments of a great man and a great friend, Robert 
Ringlein of Swartz Creek, MI, who died October 30. I am deeply saddened 
by this loss, for I have known the Ringlein family for many years, and 
count them among my closest friends.
  It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and 
this is certainly the case with all those who have ever come into 
contact with Bob Ringlein. Born and raised in my hometown of Flint, MI, 
Bob attended St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Parish. After high 
school, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, where he 
honorably served for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean 
War. After the war, Bob returned to Michigan and began working for 
General Motors at Buick Plant #36. He also joined the United Auto 
Workers, where he strived to do whatever he could to ensure that a 
strong, equitable, and positive environment existed in the workplace 
and throughout the community.
  Outside of work, Bob was heavily active with the Knights of Columbus. 
For many years, he represented Flint Council #695 with distinction, 
including his time spent as Grand Knight. Together with the Knights, 
Bob was constantly at the forefront of campaigns designed to improve 
the Greater Flint Area, and make it a better place in which to live. 
The effect they have had, and continue to have on a local, state, and 
national level is tremendous, and I have always appreciated Bob's 
leadership and insight during these times.
  Bob leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy his wife of nearly 50 
years, Marilyn, their three daughters Sharon, Kathy, and Teresa, and 
son Christopher.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
offering condolences to the family of Mr. Robert Ringlein, and in 
thanking them for sharing him with our community. It is people like 
Bob, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity 
of life for us all, that inspire us to greater efforts. I, along with 
the family and all those who have been impacted by Bob will truly miss 
him greatly.

                          ____________________