Press Releases

A Seguin rancher and former teacher was remembered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday evening.

Benno Luensmann was a rancher in Seguin, a former teacher, and a community and industry leader who passed away on January 29. He was 88 years old.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) delivered the following speech in honor of Luensmann. View the video here.

Mr. Speaker:

I rise today to remember a giant in agriculture in the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Benno Luensmann of Seguin, Texas, died in January after a storied career in Texas ag. Benno was successful in so many different areas that it's hard to pick just a few to highlight here. He and his brothers built their cattle business in Guadalupe County, a company grown from what his son called a beat-up sell barn that became a thriving enterprise.

In addition to his success in cattle, Benno served the community as the local fair president and on numerous local committees. In addition to his community service and cattle business, he was an educator, having taught at Seguin High School and Texas Lutheran University. He also served as a consultant to the USDA and spent time in Asia before returning home.

Benno rightfully received recognition for his accomplishments and leaves behind a legacy in ag and the larger Seguin community. To his wife Shirley and his children Bryan, Reagan, Yvonne, and Donna, thank you for sharing your husband and father with the community. He touched generations of farmers and ranchers.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back.