Floor SpeechNeutral2024-12-19

MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE "THE PUMPKIN MAN" RHODES-

Agriculture

Context

On 2024-12-19, Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4) delivered a floor speech titled "MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE "THE PUMPKIN MAN" RHODES-" in the House. The speech addressed agriculture.

Full Text

MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE "THE PUMPKIN MAN" RHODES-

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE ``THE PUMPKIN MAN'' RHODES- ______ HON. BILL HUIZENGA of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a true Southwest Michigan icon, Gene ``The Pumpkin Man'' Rhodes. As the owner and operator of a local family farm in Kalamazoo County for more than 60 years, customers could count on Gene not just for their fall pumpkins, but also for countless memories with family and friends. Inspired by his late wife Carol, Gene transformed his family farm into the pumpkin-themed destination it is today. He was well-known for his orange dress shirt, tucked into his orange slacks, held up by his orange suspenders, and perhaps most notably, his orange 2005 Cadillac with the license plate ``Pumman.'' Visitors to the farm would also be greeted by pumpkin-themed furniture, decorations, and even a pumpkin- headed man and his wife. It was Gene's passion and lighthearted spirit that helped make visits to the Pumpkin Patch special for so many. As a Michigan Centennial Farm, the Rhodes farm has been in Gene's family since 1885. The farm has continuously sold pumpkins since 1957 and now produces hundreds of tons of pumpkins each year. For many in Southwest Michigan, Halloween meant a visit to Gene the Pumpkin Man. Gene provided cherished memories and experiences to families spanning generations, leaving behind a rich legacy. He will be truly missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Southwest Michigan's most famous pumpkin farmer: Mr. Gene Rhodes, the Pumpkin Man. ____________________

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MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE "THE PUMPKIN MAN" RHODES- Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 189 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MOURNING THE LOSS OF GENE ``THE PUMPKIN MAN'' RHODES- ______ HON. BILL HUIZENGA of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, December 19, 2024 Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a true Southwest Michigan icon, Gene ``The Pumpkin Man'' Rhodes. As the owner and operator of a local family farm in Kalamazoo County for more than 60 years, customers could count on Gene not just for their fall pumpkins, but also for countless memories with family and friends. Inspired by his late wife Carol, Gene transformed his family farm into the pumpkin-themed destination it is today. He was well-known for his orange dress shirt, tucked into his orange slacks, held up by his orange suspenders, and perhaps most notably, his orange 2005 Cadillac with the license plate ``Pumman.'' Visitors to the farm would also be greeted by pumpkin-themed furniture, decorations, and even a pumpkin- headed man and his wife. It was Gene's passion and lighthearted spirit that helped make visits to the Pumpkin Patch special for so many. As a Michigan Centennial Farm, the Rhodes farm has been in Gene's family since 1885. The farm has continuously sold pumpkins since 1957 and now produces hundreds of tons of pumpkins each year. For many in Southwest Michigan, Halloween meant a visit to Gene the Pumpkin Man. Gene provided cherished memories and experiences to families spanning generations, leaving behind a rich legacy. He will be truly missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Southwest Michigan's most famous pumpkin farmer: Mr. Gene Rhodes, the Pumpkin Man. ____________________