[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16614]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO HON. JULIAN L. RIDLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2017

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a prominent Hoosier 
leader. Mr. Julian Ridlen passed away on October 10, 2017 surrounded by 
his loving family.
  Julian was born to Charles Fred and Doris Franklin Ridlen in Decatur, 
Illinois on February 4, 1940. He graduated from MacArthur High School 
in 1958. On June 1, 1963, Julian was married to his wife Susanne Smith 
in Logansport, Indiana.
  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history, with minors in 
political science, chemistry, and English from Anderson University. He 
then pursued his J.D. at the George Washington University Law School in 
Washington, D.C. before becoming a practicing attorney in 1968.
  Anyone who knew Julian will tell you that he held three remarkable 
qualities: he was a historian, a true statesman, and had a deep love 
for the political process. He was no stranger to public service and 
frequently sought opportunities to provide leadership in various levels 
of government. He was elected City Court Judge in Logansport in 1971 
and again in 1975. He then served as Indiana State Treasurer for two 
terms from 1979-1987. During this period, Julian was responsible for 
the creation of the Indiana Bond Bank, which has had a significant 
impact on the State of Indiana by helping us utilize our outstanding 
bond ratings and passing the interest savings onto all of our local 
schools, county and city governments, parks, and countless other 
entities. For the past ten years, Julian served as Judge of the Cass 
Circuit Court, serving as Senior Judge until his retirement in December 
2016. In this capacity, he spearheaded many local initiatives that will 
benefit our community and the great State of Indiana for years to come.
  Julian possessed another quality that can be recognized all too well: 
a servant's heart. Over the years, he was very active in various local 
organizations throughout our community, giving back more than we could 
ever return to him. He served in leadership positions as President of 
the Red Cross Board, Chairman of the U.S. Bicentennial Committee, Vice 
President of the United Fund, and President of the Youth Services 
Bureau. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of 
Commerce, the Mental Health Association, and the Salvation Army. Julian 
also served as an Elder and taught Sunday school at Calvary 
Presbyterian Church.
  Julian leaves behind his wife, Susanne, to carry on his legacy of 
service to fellow Hoosiers. His passing is a great loss for our 
community and the State of Indiana. Today, we recognize and respect 
that he led an amazing life and impacted more lives than we will ever 
know. Rest in peace Julian, he will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________