TRIBUTE TO GAIL MAHNKE

On 2026-10-05, Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA-41) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO GAIL MAHNKE" in the House.

TRIBUTE TO GAIL MAHNKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1023] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO GAIL MAHNKE ______ HON. KEN CALVERT of california in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Gail Mahnke, who passed away on September 17, 2026, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury on September 12 in Gillette, Wyoming. Gail was doing what she truly loved--spending the day with her beloved daughter, Kady, and competing in the barrel races. True to the strength, courage, and determination with which she lived her life, Gail fought valiantly until the very end. Gail was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, the beloved daughter of Don and Mary Lou Mahnke, both of whom were well-established and respected members of Casper's medical community. Her Wyoming upbringing helped shape the woman she would become. From an early age, Gail developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, often sharing cherished stories of hunting alongside her father. It was also during those formative years that her lifelong love of horses began, along with the extraordinary compassion she showed toward animals of every kind. Whether caring for a horse or tending to one of the many creatures and critters that crossed her path, Gail possessed a natural instinct to protect and nurture. From an early age, Gail knew that she wanted to devote her life to helping animals. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming before owning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Gail went on to found the Casper Animal Medical Center, where she built a highly successful veterinary practice and served the Casper community for more than 30 years. In the later years of her career, she sold the practice, allowing her to pursue the many other dreams and adventures that still called to her. While successfully building and managing her veterinary practice, Gail raised her beloved daughter, Kady, and became a guardian to her three nephews, Nick, Josh, and Isaac. Hers was a busy and welcoming household, filled with children to raise, schools and activities to manage, countless animals to care for, and friends who were always made to feel at home. Even with the demands of her family and career, Gail remained deeply committed to animal welfare and charitable service. Whether through the rodeo community or by quietly helping friends, family members, and animals in need, she gave generously of her time, expertise, and resources. Gail loved to travel and often found ways to combine her journeys with the pursuits she treasured most--horseback riding, scuba diving, Yoga and continuing her professional education through seminars around the world. One of the most special lumen of Gail's life after retirement was watching her daughter, Kady, marry Jarrett in her beloved Cora, Wyoming. In 2021, she met Evan Matzner, beginning what would become an enduring relationship and business partnership. Together, they shared a passion for real estate, travel, adventure, and creating a life filled with meaningful experiences. They purchased a beautiful home in San Pedro, Belize, and made treasured memories in the places closest to their hearts, including Cora, Wyoming; Custer, South Dakota; Scottsdale, Arizona; Belize; and all the wonderful places in between. Evan will remain forever grateful for the life they shared and the precious time they were given together. Gail leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and an enduring impression upon the countless lives she touched. Her strength, generosity, compassion, and love for her family, friends, and animals will not be forgotten. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by Evan, her family, her many lifelong friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the remarkable life of Gail Mahnke and in extending our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. ____________________