1999 Assembly Resolution 16
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Wilbur Renk.
Whereas, Wilbur Renk fell ill at his family's 100-year-old farmhouse and died on September 4, 1999, in Madison, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Mr. Renk was a lifelong resident of Sun Prairie and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Mr. Renk spent his entire life serving the people of Wisconsin in various ways, including serving as president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents from 1958-59; and
Whereas, together with his father and brother, Mr. Renk started a hybrid seed business that helped farmers across rural Wisconsin produce the finest quality crops that are the symbol of America's Dairyland; and
Whereas, this seed company is famous to this day, as farmers across the world proudly display its famous sign, a yellow "R" coming out of a red background with the name Renk below it; and
Whereas, Mr. Renk's devotion to the people of Wisconsin led him to enter the field of politics, running for governor in 1962 and the U.S. senate in 1964; and
Whereas, former President Dwight Eisenhower visited Green Bay during the 1964 U.S. senate campaign, calling Mr. Renk "a man of character" and of "stalwart courage"; and
Whereas, Mr. Renk is survived by his wife, Helen, son, Steven and daughter, Sue Tomlin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin assembly commend the devoted public service that Wilbur Renk contributed to this state and nation, express their sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide copies of this resolution to Mr. Renk's wife and children.
