LRB-3747/2
SRM:cjs:md
2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE
October 27, 2009 - Introduced by Representatives Hraychuck, Hubler, Black,
Sherman, Milroy, Rhoades, Murtha, Gunderson, Kerkman, Ziegelbauer,
Turner, A. Ott, Townsend, Brooks, Krusick, Vruwink, Hintz, Pope-Roberts,
Schneider, Shilling, Nelson, Soletski and Young, cosponsored by Senators
Harsdorf, Holperin, Jauch, Miller, Vinehout, Carpenter, Taylor, Robson,
Lehman, Wirch, Kreitlow, Erpenbach, Risser, Lazich, Coggs and Cowles.
Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR90,1,1
1Relating to: the life and public service of Rev. P. Harvey Stower.
AJR90,1,42
Whereas, Pharis Harvey Stower, Jr., a dedicated life-long public servant and
3advocate for social justice issues, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, September
429, 2009; and
AJR90,1,85
Whereas, Harvey Stower was born in Frederic, Wisconsin, on September 17,
61944, graduated from Amery High School in 1962, and earned degrees in political
7science, English, and education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in
81966; and
AJR90,1,119
Whereas, Harvey Stower met Marilyn Nielsen while attending college at the
10University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and they were married on March 11, 1967, in
11River Falls, and together raised two daughters, Kate and Elizabeth; and
AJR90,2,212
Whereas, while attending college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls,
13Harvey Stower was active in United Methodist youth, campus politics, and working
14for social justice issues across the United States, including participating in the
1Selma to Montgomery march with Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965, beginning a
2life-long commitment to working for civil rights; and
AJR90,2,73
Whereas, after teaching English at Prescott, Clayton, and Nicolet high schools,
4Harvey Stower attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., to
5pursue his dream of becoming an ordained United Methodist minister, and after his
6ordination in 1977, Harvey and Marilyn moved to Milwaukee where he served as a
7minister at Kenwood United Methodist Church for several years; and
AJR90,2,108
Whereas, Harvey Stower returned to Amery in 1982 to run for the 28th
9Assembly District seat, which he won, serving for the 1983-84 session, and then ran
10again in 1988 and won, serving from 1989 until 1994; and
AJR90,2,1511
Whereas, during his time in the state assembly, Harvey Stower authored
12legislation to create the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, support public schools and
13rural communities, and improve the lives of farmers, workers, motorists, veterans,
14and people with disabilities, while also championing core humanitarian issues like
15hunger prevention and homelessness; and
AJR90,2,2016
Whereas, Harvey Stower had an extraordinary ability to work with legislators
17from both political parties, was a man who had a remarkable and distinct
18commitment to building relationships with every individual he encountered, and
19approached his job as a lawmaker with high moral and ethical standards, which
20earned him the title and legacy of being "The Conscience of the Legislature"; and
AJR90,2,2521
Whereas, Harvey Stower's public service continued in his role as Amery's
22mayor for the past 14 years, where his visionary leadership focused on developing
23the riverfront in Amery, downtown revitalization, economic growth, creating a
24thriving arts center, and improving the city's infrastructure through improved
25facilities for the airport, hospital, library, and food pantry; now, therefore, be it
AJR90,3,6
1Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
2Wisconsin legislature honor Harvey Stower for his decades of tireless and devoted
3service to northwest Wisconsin and the entire state and his passion for and life-long
4commitment to equity, justice, and advocating for the most vulnerable members of
5society, express their deep sorrow at his death, and extend their sincere condolences
6to his family and friends; and, be it further
AJR90,3,8
7Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint
8resolution to each of Harvey Stower's daughters, Kate Stower and Elizabeth Stower.
