Congressional Record: Visclosky Honors Edward Gottschling

Click here for a PDF of Congressman Visclosky's statement for the Congressional Record.

In honor of Ed Gottschling's many years of public service in the City of Portage and throughout Northwest Indiana, Congressman Pete Visclosky entered the statement below into the Congressional Record on July 10, 2012.

Mr. Speaker: It is with profound respect that I stand before you today to again honor Edward Gottschling, a dear friend and one of Northwest Indiana’s most distinguished citizens.  Ed has been a constant fixture in the City of Portage, Indiana and has dedicated himself to serving the entire community of Northwest Indiana.  For his many years of public service and his outstanding efforts to improve the lives of the people of Portage, Mr. Gottschling was presented a key to the city on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

Edward Gottschling’s dedication to the community of Portage and to the citizens of Northwest Indiana is worthy of the highest praise.  Throughout the years, Ed has held numerous positions in city government.  Mr. Gottschling has served as Portage Police Commissioner and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  He also was a member of the city council for sixteen years, ten of which he served as Council President.  In addition, Mr. Gottschling also served on every standing committee for the city.  Ed has been known to say, “I always put the needs and concerns of Portage residents first.”  He has always done what is fair and has always kept the best interest of the residents of Portage at the forefront of all decision-making.

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 the past president of the Portage AARP chapter and a member and past commander of the Tolleston VFW post, and he has even held the distinguished post of district commander.  Mr. Gottschling is a lifetime member of the Portage American Legion and Gary Sportsmen’s Club and a longtime member of the Portage Democratic Club.  Since the age of sixteen, 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, Mr. Gottschling 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 he has committed himself to serving his community, Ed’s devotion to his family is equally impressive.  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 and Laura.
 
Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Edward Gottschling, a consummate gentleman, for his remarkable life of devotion to the people of Portage and all of Northwest Indiana.  His unselfish and lifelong dedication to serving his community is worthy of the highest commendation, and he serves as an inspiration to us all.