In Honor of Gary Grunau

Floor Speech

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Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Gary Grunau a Milwaukee real estate developer and civic leader. Gary was born on April 17, 1939, in Bay View, Wisconsin, and lived his entire life in Milwaukee. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother, relative, and friend to many here in Milwaukee.

Gary left his home to attend Cornell University, but knew that Milwaukee was where he belonged. Upon earning his degree in mechanical engineering, he returned home to join Grunau Co. Inc, a business started by his grandfather. In the late 70's, the company was working on the Hyatt Regency construction project in downtown Milwaukee, but Gary had to step in as the developer to complete the project. He was the developer on several major projects in the city including the Wisconsin Center, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Manpower Group World Headquarters, the Milwaukee Riverwalk System, and the former Time Warner Building. However, he is best known for revitalizing the former Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. complex into one of Milwaukee's most desirable working environments, the Schlitz Park office complex. Gary's projects won numerous awards including the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Achievement Award, The National Council for Urban Economic Development Award and the ULI's 2017-2018 Global Award of Excellence for the Milwaukee Riverwalk, considered among the world's highest honors from land use experts. He also led and served on many boards, including the Milwaukee Academy of Science, Discovery World, Alverno College Board of Trustees, Milwaukee Riverwalk District, Spirit of Milwaukee, and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Gary wanted to make Milwaukee a better place for all its residents. He was committed to addressing the racial and economic disparities that have plagued our city. He was disturbed by our city's status as one of the most segregated communities in the country and knew that the lack of affordable housing and support for public schools, prevented the upward mobility for people living in our poorest zip codes. In an article two years ago, Gary said that ``Segregation hurts the city's economic competitiveness, but not enough is being doing about it . . . the lack of inclusion hurts us downtown. It hurts us in education. It hurts us nationally.'' He took those words to his heart and didn't simply talk the talk, he walked it; raising millions of dollars to improve education and economic opportunities for the city.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory his wife Joanne; sons Paul (Jeanie) Grunau, Daniel Grunau, and John (Adrienne) Grunau; stepson Jeff (Kate) MacInnes and stepdaughter Laura MacInnes; grandchildren Grace, Hank, Gus, Sadie, Alex, Jon, Grant, Andrew, Wesley, Darcy, and Wilson Grunau, and many other relatives and friends.

Gary was my friend and while our fights against injustice didn't always go our way, he stayed committed to find a way to solve problems. Even with his illness, he continued forward, focusing on his final project; revitalizing Milwaukee both economically and in terms of racial equity.

Madam Speaker, for these reasons I rise to salute Gary Grunau, a man that has positively impacted the 4th Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin, and the world.

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