Honoring Frank and Rossie Buchtel

HONORING FRANK AND ROSSIE BUCHTEL -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 21, 2004)

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Frank and Rossie Buchtel of Princeton, MO. It's been 40 years since the Buchtels retired from teaching, and they're still going strong. Frank turned 100 on July 2, and he and Rossie celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on August 26. In light of these important milestones, the Rotary Club in Princeton is renaming its scholarship in honor of Frank. Additionally, Mercer County, MO, has designated September 28, 2004, as a day to honor both Frank and Rossie Buchtel.

Rossie's family had long been established in the area when Frank accepted a teaching and coaching position in Princeton in 1927. Rossie's parents were long-time Princeton residents, and her grandparents were pioneer citizens of Mercer County. Frank had an immediate impact on Princeton though, as he coached the Princeton football Tigers to an undefeated season in 1928. After that unbelievable season, Frank probably thought that life couldn't get much better, but he soon fell in love with Rossie; they were married in 1929. Shortly after their wedding, the Buchtels set out for Scottsbluff, NE, where Frank had accepted a coaching job at the junior college. Every summer, the Buchtels would venture to Evanston, IL, where Frank earned his master's degree at Northwestern University. In 1930, their daughter Barbara was born.

In 1936 Frank was appointed athletic director at Aurora College in Illinois. During the 5 years that Frank served as athletic director, Rossie completed her AB degree. Rossie's passion for library science, which she developed in Aurora, later led her to a graduate degree in the field at the University of Chicago.

In the fall of 1941, Frank, Rossie, and Barbara moved to Chicago Heights, IL. Frank served as coach and athletic director Bloom Township High School for the next 27 years, while Rossie was a librarian at a nearby school. Barbara graduated from Bloom and then DePauw University during these years. Barbara later married Elmer Duerst, and Frank and Rossie became proud grandparents of Dan and Debra, Barbara and Elmer's two children. In 1964, Frank and Rossie retired from their respective careers to settle in Princeton.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Frank and Rossie Buchtel, two remarkable citizens of Northwest Missouri who so exemplify the qualities of dedication and service. I am honored to call Frank and Rossie Buchtel constituents of Missouri's Sixth District.