Bedell, Berkley

U.S. congressman; Democrat representing Iowa's 6th District in the House of Representatives, 1974-1986. Born March 5, 1921, Spirit Lake. Graduated Spirit Lake High School. Attended Iowa State University, 1940-42. Married the former Elinor Healy, 1943. Children: Ken, Tom, Joanne. Lieutenant, Army Air Force, 1942-45. Organizer and first president, Iowa Great Lakes Student Loan Fund inc. Former secretary, Morningside College board of directors and Iowa Manufacturer's Association. Member: Kiwanis, Izaak Walton League, Masons, United Methodist Church. Founder and chairman of Berkley and Co., Spirit Lake. Named Small Businessman of the Year, 1964. Member, House Committee on Agriculture (subcommittees: Wheat, Soybeans and Feedgrains; Forest, Family Farms and Energy; Conservation; Credit; Rural Development). Committee on Small Business. Chairman, Subcommittee on Oversight and the Economy; member, Energy, Environment and Safety Issues Affecting Small Business. First elected to U.S. House of Representatives in 1974.