Representative Edmund Kuempel (Texas District 44) has died at the age of 67 in Austin from a heart attack. Rep. Kuempel was a kind man always ready with a smile and a kiss on the hand for the ladies, a true TEXAS GENTLEMAN. His death is a great loss to the State of Texas, his District which I am in, and to animal lovers across the state.
Below are links to some of the news:
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2010/11/04/state_rep_kuempel_dies_after_h.html?cxntcid=breaking_news
http://seguingazette.com/story.lasso?ewcd=628dd2bf508f3db3
Godspeed, good and faithful servant.
Following is his official Biography from the State Website.
Edmund Kuempel has served his constituents since 1983, when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. From 1983-1990 he represented Kendall, Comal and Guadalupe Counties as House District 46. When the 1990 redistricting was complete, population dictated that Representative Kuempel represent only Comal and Guadalupe Counties as House District 45. The 2000 census and redistricting currently have him representing Wilson, Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties as House District 44 in the 2007 & in the 2009 Legislature. (editoral addition: He was re-elected, unopposed to the 2011 Legislature.)
Edmund Kuempel has been an active legislator for nearly 26 years. He has been named Chairman of three committees during previous sessions - the Committee on Retirement and Aging, the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on State Recreational Resources. At the time Representative Kuempel was the Chairman of the House Administration Committee, the extension to the Capitol was being built, allowing him to be a part of the decision-making process on the massive undertaking to expand legislative office space while not disturbing the Capitol's historic integrity. Representative Kuempel currently serves as the Chairman of the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee and is a senior member of the Calendars Committee and the Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee.
Representative Kuempel has been a recipient of numerous awards - the Texas Municipal Retirement System John Traeger Award, Man of the Year Award from the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association, Career Achievement Award from the Texas Chamber of Commerce, Leader of Excellence Award - Free Market Committee, Texas Chamber of Commerce Legislative Leadership Award, and others too numerous to mention.
Not only has Representative Kuempel served as Chairman of several important committees, he has also served as a member of numerous other committees. He is a dedicated lawmaker, taking his elected position seriously. Although Texas has a "part- time legislature", Representative Kuempel does not consider his job part-time. He is constantly in contact with constituents and can be seen at as many functions as his schedule allows. Edmund Kuempel cares, he loves people and he enjoys being among the people of his district. He relies on his constituents' input to make the best decision possible when voting on issues that will affect their lives.
Edmund Kuempel was born and raised in Austin, graduating from Austin High School. He received his B.A. in Business from Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. Edmund is married to the former Roberta "Birdie" Blumberg. They have two adult children, John Kuempel and Margaret Brady. Edmund and Birdie also have a granddaughter - Rose Brady who was born in September, 1998, and twin grandsons - Will and Sam Kuempel who were born in 2004. The Kuempels are active members of Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin.
In 2009, Rep. Kuempel was awarded the National Legislator of the Year Holt Award by the American Kennel Club, and was presented the award by Responsible Pet Owners Alliance at the San Antonio Kennel Club Dog Show March 2010. Full article at: http://www.sanantoniokennelclub.com/SanAntonioKennelClub/News/Entries/2010/3/13_AKC_Legislator_of_the_Year_2009.html
