HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HUSTON GNODTKE

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HUSTON GNODTKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E226-E227] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HUSTON GNODTKE ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William Huston Gnodtke, a steadfast public servant, devoted husband and father, and a tireless advocate for the State of Michigan, who passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 87. Prior to starting his long career in politics, Mr. Gnodtke proudly served our Nation for two years as a communications specialist in the United States Army. His military service reflected the same sense of duty, patriotism, and discipline that would define his commitment to public service. After his military service, Mr. Gnodtke became a respected fixture in Michigan politics, spending 18 years on staff with the Michigan House Republican Caucus, including a two-year stint as executive director. He later served as finance director for the Michigan Republican Party. In each of these roles, he worked diligently to shape policy and strengthen Northern Michigan leadership in Lansing. In 1988, he founded Gnodtke & Associates, a fundraising and political consulting firm that supported Republican candidates and conservative causes across our great state. Mr. Gnodtke's involvement with the Republican Party ran deep. He served as a Michigan presidential elector for President Gerald Ford in 1976, state party treasurer, and for more than 30 years as a precinct delegate and county party officer in Ingham and Clinton counties. In addition to his party leadership, he served on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers and as a Clinton County commissioner, always seeking to improve the communities he called home. After retiring to Northern Michigan in 1997, Mr. Gnodtke began what would become an impressive 21-year tenure on the Mackinaw Bridge Authority, including 16 years as chair. His steadfast and principled leadership ensured that the Bridge's operational and financial independence remained firmly intact. Mr. Speaker, let us join in recognizing Mr. William Gnodtke, whose life was marked by service to his country, his party, and fellow neighbor. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Gnodtke family. [[Page E227]] ____________________