Walorski Remembered as a Champion for Farmers
Published: Friday, August 12, 2022
Indiana agriculture has lost a strong ally, as Jackie Walorski, 2nd District Congresswoman from Elkhart, was one of four people killed in a two-car accident last week in Elkhart County. The accident happened at 12:32 p.m. last Wednesday near the S.R. 19 intersection with S.R. 119.
Walorski, 58, and two aids, Zach Potts, 27, and Emma Thomson, 28, were killed when their sports utility vehicle crossed the center line on S.R. 19, north of Nappanee, and struck an oncoming vehicle driven by 56-year-old Edith Schmucker of Nappanee. Schmucker also died in the crash.
According to the Elkhart County Sheriff's office, it is unknown why the SUV drifted into the southbound lane. The crash is under investigation by both the Elkhart County coroner and the sheriff's office.
Walorski is a former member of the House Agriculture Committee and was highly regarded by local and state agriculture organizations. Just prior to the crash, she attended a soybean industry event in Kosciusko County.
"This is a terrible loss and shock for Indiana," said Courtney Kingery, CEO of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Corn Growers Assn. "We were together today (last Wednesday) at the grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Co.'s new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool—a perfect example of how she was a champion for the farmers and the agricultural businesses in her district."
In 2019, Walorski received the Friend of Farmer award from the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Indiana Corn Growers Assn. and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.
"She will be remembered as a dedicated leader who helped Indiana's farmers achieve the highest value for their crops," Kingery said.
Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron described Walorski as a "tireless advocate" for farmers in northern Indiana.
"We knew Jackie as an enthusiastic advocate for her constituents in the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C., and she was always a great friend to Indiana agriculture," Kron said. "Her natural leadership and energy for getting things done will be greatly missed."
Josh Trenary, executive director of Indiana Pork, said Walorski was known for having a "common-sense approach" that made her a good lawmaker.
"Indiana Pork's members in Jackie's district had some of the closest, most genuine relationships with her of any I have seen in my career between pork farmers and members of our federal delegation," he said. "Their genuine appreciation for her said a lot about her, not only as a politician but as a person. She will be missed."
Marijo Martinec, executive director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, and Emily Weikert Bryant, both praised Walorski for her efforts to end hunger. Martinec called Walorski a "dedicated public servant."
Weikert Bryant added, "She regularly shared her time with our members and staff, was an expert at federal anti-hunger programs, and leaves a legacy of bipartisan work to lessen hunger in America."
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb remembered Walorski as "a positive force of nature, a patriot, and a relentless policy maker with an unwavering loyalty to her constituents." He added that she was the "epitome of a good and faithful servant."
Holcomb directed flags in the state of Indiana to be flown at half-staff until the date of Walorski's burial.
Prior to her election to Congress, Walorski served three terms in the Indiana House of Representatives. According to her congressional website, she and her husband Dean spent four years as missionaries in Romania, where they started and ran a foundation to provide food and medical supplies to impoverished children there.
Walorski also worked as a television news reporter for WSBT-TV in South Bend and as development director for Ancilla College and Indiana University South Bend.
Indiana's lieutenant governor, Suzanne Crouch, served with Walorski in the Indiana House. She recalls the congresswoman as a "fighter for her constituents and conservative Hoosier values."
In Washington, where Walorski served as a U.S. congresswoman since 2013, she is being remembered as a "thoughtful champion for her constituents" by the Republican leader of the House Ag Committee, Glenn "GT" Thompson, who represents Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district.
He added that he personally knew Thomson, who is a native of Johnstown, Pa.
President Biden released a statement saying that both he and First Lady Jill Biden were "shocked and saddened" by news of Walorski's tragic death.
"We may have represented different parties and disagreed on many issues, but she was respected by members of both parties for her work on the House Ways and Means Committee on which she served," Biden said. "She also served as co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, and my team and I appreciated her partnership as we plan for a historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health this fall that will be marked by her deep care for the needs of rural America."
Walorski's passing also drew words of sadness and grief from fellow Indiana congressman Jim Banks (R-3rd) and Indiana's two senators, Todd Young and Mike Braun.
"I'll never forget her spirit, her positive attitude and, most importantly, her friendship," Young said.
"From my first day in Congress, Jackie showed me kindness and grace," Braun said. "She had a heart of gold, and I will miss her dearly."
Walorski served on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for two terms, a role that saw her champion important reforms to improve the quality and accessibility of services for military veterans. On Sunday, Indiana's congressional delegation, including Banks, Braun and Young, introduced a bipartisan resolution to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Mishawaka the "Jackie Walorski VA Clinic."
"I can think of a no more fitting tribute than to name a VA facility in Indiana's 2nd District after my friend, Rep. Jackie Walorski. Jackie fought tirelessly to serve veterans in her district and renaming the facility in her honor ensures Rep. Walorski's legacy of public service will live on for a long time to come."
Walorski is survived by her husband, Dean Swihart; her mother, Martha C. Walorski of Elkhart; two brothers, David Walorski of Osceola and Keith Walorski of North Liberty, along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 11 a.m. this Thursday at Granger Community Church in Mishawaka. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.
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