SR0288 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0288 LRB097 12521 KXB 57005 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert J. Neuneker of La Grange, who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neuneker served in the Army Engineer Corps during World War II; he graduated from Western Illinois University and married Lorna Campbell from Stronghurst in 1950; they attended Ball State University, earning their master's degrees in education in 1955; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neuneker's work as a vocational teacher and counselor allowed him to emphasize the importance of choosing a career at a very early stage in life and led him to initiate Career Day, an annual event in which many business, industry, and community leaders from the Chicago area spoke to students at Lyons Township High School about career choices; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neuneker's 50-year residency in La Grange was highlighted by community service; he was a member and took leadership roles in the Kiwanis Club, Park District, Little League, YMCA, and Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the Village of La Grange; he also served on the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neuneker was a member of the Hinsdale Unitarian Church; he was also a recipient of the Humanitarian Service Award from the local NAACP chapter; he worked energetically on issues such as civil rights, fair housing, and equal opportunity in employment for many years; his recreational interests included gardening, tent camping in all the lower 48 states, and foreign travel to 40 different countries; he loved the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls and any sport or activity in which his children or grandchildren were involved; and

WHEREAS, Robert Neuneker is survived by his wife, Lorna; his daughter, Rona N. James, and her spouse, Larry W. James, M.D.; his sons, Devin and Brant Neuneker, along with Brant's spouse, Alisa; his grandchildren, Myles, Rachel, Zach, and Emma Neuneker; and his siblings, Rose Ritter, Ruth Smith, and Max Neuneker; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Robert J. Neuneker; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert J. Neuneker as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.