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Permanent LinkSenator Emil Joseph Husak View All Years
EMIL J. HUSAK
Emil J. Husak was born to William and Mary Husak on September 18, 1930, in Toledo, Iowa. He had six brothers and two sisters. He passed away on July 30, 1997, at the age of sixty-six.
Emil was a member of the Toledo American Legion Post #72, 40-8, K.D. Lodge, Eagles, Kiwanis, Farm Bureau, Farmers’ Union and the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama, Iowa. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until 1954.
In 1955, Emil married Dorothy Uhlenberg, and together they started a grain and livestock farm approximately one-half mile from where he grew up. He also drove a school bus for the South Tama County Community School District for twelve years.
Emil and Dorothy became the parents of three sons and two daughters: Michael of Marshalltown, Iowa; Dennis of St. Charles, Missouri; Joseph, deceased; Janice Morales of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and Laurie Friedhoff of Urbandale, Iowa. Their family grew with the addition of ten grandchildren.
Senator Husak’s political career began in 1970, when he was elected to five two-year terms in the Iowa House, serving in the 64th, 65th, 66th, 67th, 67thEX, and 68th General Assemblies. He was then elected to serve four terms in the Iowa Senate and served in the 69th, 69thEX, 70th, 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, and 76th General Assemblies until 1996.
During his 26 years as a legislator, his priorities included preservation of the family farm, needs of the elderly, education, veterans’ affairs, the environment and economic development. Senator Husak devoted considerable effort toward preserving the integrity of the State Juvenile Home, the Iowa Veterans’ Home and the Iowa Braille School. He worked enthusiastically for the Special Olympics, lowering taxes and always listened to the ideas of those in his District. Senator Husak also encouraged each of his children and grandchildren to visit him at the State Capitol during the sessions to view the process at work.
Emil’s top priorities were his wife, children, grandchildren, and the family farm. Emil continued to farm, and, also, became involved in wood crafting. Emil’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing and family gatherings.
Senator Husak was known for his integrity and was always a hard-working and very capable State Legislator who worked for the benefit of his constituents. He was a moderate democrat who was respected by members of both parties.
His family remembers a loving husband, father, and grandfather who taught them the importance of faith, hard work, commitment, devotion to the family and fun. He lived his life to the fullest and he encouraged all to do the same. “TO THE POWER”.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE SEVENTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA: That in the passing of the Honorable Emil J. Husak, the State has lost an honored citizen and faithful and useful public servant and that the Senate by this Resolution, expresses its appreciation of his service to the State and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.
DON E. GETTINGS, Chair
DENNIS H. BLACK
DONALD B. REDFERN
Committee