1997 Assembly Joint Resolution 114
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Bernard Mathiowetz.
Whereas, Bernard Mathiowetz was born on February 11, 1902, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and died on January 17, 1997, in Milwaukee; and
Whereas, because his family refused to allow him to attend high school, he left home and began supporting himself; and
Whereas, after he had saved enough money he began attending Ashland High School while working for the Soo Line Railroad; and
Whereas, he later attended Northland College; and
Whereas, when he was a junior at Northland College he was elected to the assembly, becoming the youngest member of the 1925 legislature; and
Whereas, during his term in the legislature he was a staunch supporter of labor and because of his speaking skills a newspaper called him "the boy orator"; and
Whereas, because he lacked money to return to his district to campaign, he was defeated for reelection; and
Whereas, after his term in the assembly he completed a law degree at the University of Wisconsin and then became a successful attorney in Milwaukee, specializing in probate law; and
Whereas, Mr. Mathiowetz's life resembles a Horatio Alger story because of his determination and his rise, by hard work, from humble beginnings to success; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature salute the public service and the amazing life of Bernard Mathiowetz, 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 a copy of this joint resolution to Sheila Kirscher, Mr. Mathiowetz's niece.
