[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF GARY GRUNAU

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2019

  Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences on 
the passing of Gary Grunau a Milwaukee real estate developer and civic 
leader. Gary was born on April 17, 1939, in Bay View, Wisconsin, and 
lived his entire life in Milwaukee. He was a loving husband, father, 
uncle, grandfather, brother, relative, and friend to many here in 
Milwaukee.
  Gary left his home to attend Cornell University, but knew that 
Milwaukee was where he belonged. Upon earning his degree in mechanical 
engineering, he returned home to join Grunau Co. Inc, a business 
started by his grandfather. In the late 70's, the company was working 
on the Hyatt Regency construction project in downtown Milwaukee, but 
Gary had to step in as the developer to complete the project. He was 
the developer on several major projects in the city including the 
Wisconsin Center, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Manpower Group 
World Headquarters, the Milwaukee Riverwalk System, and the former Time 
Warner Building. However, he is best known for revitalizing the former 
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. complex into one of Milwaukee's most 
desirable working environments, the Schlitz Park office complex. Gary's 
projects won numerous awards including the Urban Land Institute (ULI) 
Achievement Award, The National Council for Urban Economic Development 
Award and the ULI's 2017-2018 Global Award of Excellence for the 
Milwaukee Riverwalk, considered among the world's highest honors from 
land use experts. He also led and served on many boards, including the 
Milwaukee Academy of Science, Discovery World, Alverno College Board of 
Trustees, Milwaukee Riverwalk District, Spirit of Milwaukee, and the 
Greater Milwaukee Committee.
  Gary wanted to make Milwaukee a better place for all its residents. 
He was committed to addressing the racial and economic disparities that 
have plagued our city. He was disturbed by our city's status as one of 
the most segregated communities in the country and knew that the lack 
of affordable housing and support for public schools, prevented the 
upward mobility for people living in our poorest zip codes. In an 
article two years ago, Gary said that ``Segregation hurts the city's 
economic competitiveness, but not enough is being doing about it . . . 
the lack of inclusion hurts us downtown. It hurts us in education. It 
hurts us nationally.'' He took those words to his heart and didn't 
simply talk the talk, he walked it; raising millions of dollars to 
improve education and economic opportunities for the city.
  Gary leaves to cherish his memory his wife Joanne; sons Paul (Jeanie) 
Grunau, Daniel Grunau, and John (Adrienne) Grunau; stepson Jeff (Kate) 
MacInnes and stepdaughter Laura MacInnes; grandchildren Grace, Hank, 
Gus, Sadie, Alex, Jon, Grant, Andrew, Wesley, Darcy, and Wilson Grunau, 
and many other relatives and friends.
  Gary was my friend and while our fights against injustice didn't 
always go our way, he stayed committed to find a way to solve problems. 
Even with his illness, he continued forward, focusing on his final 
project; revitalizing Milwaukee both economically and in terms of 
racial equity.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons I rise to salute Gary Grunau, a man 
that has positively impacted the 4th Congressional District, the State 
of Wisconsin, and the world.

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