2009 Assembly Joint Resolution 86
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Rudy John Kuzel.
Whereas, Rudy John Kuzel passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the age of 73; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was born in Milwaukee in 1935 and graduated from St. Catherine's High School in Racine in 1954; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel worked at American Motors Corporation and then Chrysler Automotive in Kenosha for 38 years; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel served the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 72 in many capacities, including as steward, chief steward, trustee, and board member at large; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel served also as president-shop chairman of the United Auto Workers Local 72 from 1984 to 1996 and led Local 72 through many difficult times, including the shutdown of the auto assembly operations in Kenosha in 1988; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel led the UAW's efforts to fight the plant closing and convinced Chrysler to provide extended supplemental benefits for workers and establish a trust fund for the education expenses of workers' children; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was one of the strongest leaders who was instrumental in the successful effort to secure Chrysler's new engine plant in Kenosha in the early 1990s; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was a skilled, tough, and passionate negotiator who always looked out for the best interests of the membership; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was proud to have negotiated in 1980 the first joint Alcohol and Drug Program in the UAW Local 72 to help members with addiction problems; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Racine Raiders; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel, until the end of his life, continued to advocate for legislative changes to address alcoholism and drunk driving and other protections for working people; and
Whereas, Rudy Kuzel was a much loved husband to Connie, and he treasured his family, including his children Collen, Kraig, and Brian, grandchildren Matt, Nick, and Ryan, and sister Judy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commemorate the life, public service, and deep commitment to the Wisconsin labor movement of Rudy John Kuzel and mourn his passing.
