ICYMI: Van Orden Honors Life of La Crosse Resident on House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, today Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life of La Crosse resident David John Chase, who passed away in November 2022 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Chase was known for his dedication to his family and community, where he was a volunteer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in La Crosse. He is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Abraham, as well as his grandmother, Diane, and brother, Landon, who traveled to Washington, D.C. to watch the speech in the House Gallery.

Watch the clip here, or read the transcript below.

Transcript:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of an exceptional young man, David John Chase of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

David passed away on November 1 of last year at the age of 15 after a courageous 10-month battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, which there was no cure for.

Despite facing a tremendous battle, David displayed courage and compassion far beyond his years.

In the midst of battling this incurable brain cancer, David was far more concerned about his family and how they were impacted by his diagnosis.

David’s selflessness and care for others around him was a constant presence throughout his life. He volunteered his time at Immanuel Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin and hoped one day to serve in the United States Military and later have a career in construction. 

He wanted to build with his hands. He wanted to build America.

He knew at his young age that this is what he wanted to do, and most of all David loved his family, and above all else, with one of his favorite memories hunting deer in Ettrick, Wisconsin with his dad.

David leaves behind a legacy of bravery, selflessness, and love. I extend my deepest condolences to David’s family, his parents Jennifer and Abraham, his grandmother Diane who’s here in the House Gallery, and his brother Landon, who was David’s caretaker with his grandmother, today in the Gallery, he is here.

So God bless him and his family. God bless the United States of America. We will miss this young man.

With that I yield back.