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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of John M. Kmetz Sr., who passed away on
4January 8, 2013; and
 
5    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. was born in Nanticoke,
6Pennsylvania, to Michael Kmetz and Susan Estwanik on February
72, 1924; he married June Hope (Cooper) Kmetz; and
 
8    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in
9January of 1943, serving in the First Marine Division during
10the Pacific Theater of Operations; he saw action at North
11Solomons, Bougainville, and Peleliu, earning numerous
12commendations such as the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for
13outstanding heroism in his support service of Marine Aircraft
14Group Eleven, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific
15Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple
16Heart for wounds received at Peleliu; he spent time at Quantico
17as a drill instructor for the FBI and managing the Potomac
18River as a certified crash crewman; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Upon being discharged, John Kmetz Sr. began his
20career by working to bring the United Mine Workers Union to the
21Island Creek Coal Company; he then moved on to construction as
22senior electrical engineer for Link Belt Company and Roberts &

 

 

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1Schaeffer Companies; and
 
2    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. brought his family to Hoffman
3Estates in 1959 and became instrumental in the incorporation of
4the Village and aiding the citizens in the infancy of the area;
5he and his family were charter members of Bethel Baptist Church
6in Schaumburg; he loved music, sang in the church, hosting
7Christian college sports teams and Christian college
8presidents, as well as many sailors from the Great Lakes Navel
9Base who were far from home; he coached Babe Ruth baseball in
10the early 1960s; his family has held membership at Parkview
11Community Church in Glen Ellyn for 35 years; and
 
12    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. continued to volunteer and was
13named Volunteer of the Year by the Village of Hoffman Estates
14celebrated by the Illinois Sheriff's Association; he served on
15the Veteran's Memorial Commission, specifically in the color
16guard for the November 2012 Veteran's Day memorial ceremony; he
17is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the
18American Legion, and the First Marine Division Association; he
19served as officer in the VFW and the American Legion at all
20levels, with his favorite assignment as chaplain; and
 
21    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. was preceded in death by his
22parents; his wife of 68 years, June; his son, John M. Kmetz
23Jr.; his brother, Michael Kmetz; and his sisters, Barbara

 

 

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1Kahler and Susan Infantolino; and
 
2    WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. is survived by his daughter, Cheryl
3Kmetz; his granddaughter June Hope Lanners; and his grandson
4Jackson Michael Lanners; therefore, be it
 
5    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL
6ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
7John Kmetz Sr., and we extend our sincere condolences to his
8family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
9further
 
10    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11presented to the family of John Kmetz Sr. as an expression of
12our deepest sympathy.