2023 Assembly Resolution 10
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Karl Van Roy.
Whereas, Karl Van Roy was born in Green Bay on December 1, 1938, to parents Peter and Clara Van Roy; and
Whereas, Karl Van Roy graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Norbert College in 1961 and subsequently served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964; and
Whereas, after working in the restaurant industry for several years, Karl Van Roy opened the River's Bend Supper Club in Howard in January 1974; and
Whereas, Karl Van Roy owned and operated River's Bend Supper Club until 1998, winning the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Restauranteur of the Year Award in 1990; and
Whereas, as a business owner, Karl Van Roy was also active in his community, helping to establish the N.E.W. Zoo, supporting YMCA Partners in Youth, and participating in the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club; and
Whereas, in his retirement, Karl Van Roy dedicated himself to public service, running successfully to represent the 90th Assembly District in November 2002 and serving this district through the 2011 legislative session; and
Whereas, Karl Van Roy carried his experience as a business owner onto the Assembly Committee on Small Business, on which he served as vice-chair in 2003 and chair in 2005; and
Whereas, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce recognized Karl Van Roy's support for legislation to increase jobs and improve the state's business climate by honoring him with its Working for Wisconsin Award in 2012; and
Whereas, Karl Van Roy proudly represented the Green Bay area, even authoring a resolution honoring the creator of the “Cheesehead” hat and appearing before the assembly proudly wearing such a hat; and
Whereas, Karl Van Roy died on May 10, 2022, at the age of 83; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin Assembly honor Representative Karl Van Roy, mourn his passing, and celebrate his contributions as a public servant.
