[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1732]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO EDWARD GOTTSCHLING

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today to honor one of northwest Indiana's most 
dedicated, distinguished, and honorable citizens. I have known Edward 
Gottschling for many years, and he is one of the most active and 
involved citizens I have ever known, especially when it comes to his 
service to the community. For many years, Ed has been a constant 
fixture in the Portage, Indiana Democratic Party and in northwest 
Indiana. Today, Ed is celebrating a milestone, his 80th birthday. In 
his honor, a celebration will be taking place on Saturday, January 20, 
2007, at the Portage Yacht Club in Portage, Indiana.
  Edward Gottschling was born on January 18, 1927, at his home in Gary, 
Indiana. As a young boy, Ed attended grammar school at Saint John's 
Lutheran School in the Tolleston neighborhood of Gary. Following his 
graduation from Tolleston High School in 1944, where he had been a 
standout pitcher and 4-year letter winner on the school's baseball 
team, Ed decided to pursue a career with the railroad. Ed began his 
career as a machinist helper at Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern (EJ&E) 
Railroad. However, in 1945, on his 18th birthday, Ed felt the need to 
serve his country and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. 
Undoubtedly, this life-changing decision to serve became the first step 
in a lifetime of dedicated service to his community. Following training 
in New York and Miami, Ed was stationed in the San Francisco area, 
where he served as a seaman aboard the Grand Fork and the Key West. 
Ed's service ended in May 1946 when the Navy decided to make a 
reduction in the number of servicemen in the Coast Guard.
  Upon his discharge from the service, Ed returned to work at EJ&E as 
an electrical apprentice. In 1954, having decided to further his 
education, Ed completed his courses and received his degree in 
electrical technology from Purdue University-Calumet in Hammond, 
Indiana. Prior to doing so, Ed made a decision to leave EJ&E for a new 
position with Illinois Bell Telephone, the company for which he would 
work for the next 32 years. For several years, Ed held various 
positions, both indoor and outdoor, with Illinois Bell. Then, in 1959, 
Ed was transferred to their office in downtown Chicago, where he took 
on supervisory responsibilities for the company. Though Ed has many 
fond memories from his years at Illinois Bell, he is particularly fond 
of being called on to assist with the communication needs for three 
presidential visits to Chicago, which included visits from former 
Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Lyndon Johnson. As if his 
career were not already impressive enough, Ed was eventually promoted 
to several other positions, including the Great Lakes Regional 
Communication Coordinator for the Federal Aviation Administration.
  Though Ed retired from Illinois Bell in 1985, it is his lifetime of 
service to his community that is so astonishing. Since moving his 
family from Gary to Portage in 1967, Ed has always been an integral 
part of the Portage community. Ed has served as Portage Police 
Commissioner and a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and he 
has also served as the Portage area campaign coordinator for a United 
States Congressional race. Ed's interest in politics and government did 
not end there, as he has served as a precinct committeeman for the past 
14 years and city councilman for the past 12 years, the last 8 of which 
he has served as council president.
  In addition to city government, Ed has also been a very active member 
of many service clubs and organizations, as well as an active member of 
his church. He is an active member and past president of the Portage 
AARP chapter and a member and past commander of the Tolleston VFW post. 
A member of the VFW for many years, Ed has even held the distinguished 
post of district commander. Ed is also a lifetime member of the Portage 
American Legion and Gary Sportsmen's Club and an active member of the 
Portage Democratic Club. Since the age of 16, Ed has also been a member 
of the Saxon Lodge, where he has held numerous posts, including club 
president. As if his commitment to these organizations were not enough, 
Ed has always dedicated himself to fighting for the needs of the 
elderly and disabled, as evidenced by his membership with the Porter 
County Aging and Community Service Corporation and his service on the 
State Legislative Committee for the AARP and the Governor's Commission 
on Aging.
  Though Ed has a special place in his heart for his community, his 
greatest love has always been his family. Ed and his wife, Nina, who 
passed away in 1994 after nearly 43 years of marriage, were the truest 
example of a loving and committed marriage. The couple raised two very 
successful children. Dan resides in Seattle, Washington with his wife, 
Barb, and Laura resides in Crystal Lake, Illinois with her husband, 
Robert, and children, Mitchell and Stuart. Though he has committed 
himself to serving his community, Ed's devotion to his family is 
equally impressive.
  Madam Speaker, Edward Gottschling has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to the people of Portage, Indiana throughout his many years 
of service. At this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished 
colleagues join me in commending him for his lifetime of service and 
dedication to his community. Also, I ask that you join me in wishing 
him a very happy 80th birthday.

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