HR0318 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0318 LRB095 11916 KXB 35169 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of G. Dick Wheeler of Mt. Zion, who passed away on March 14, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wheeler was born on April 10, 1925 in Macon County; his parents were Boyd Wallace and Marjorie (Britton) Wheeler; he married Donna K. Greenfield on June 5, 1944; she preceded him in death on November 28, 1988; he later married Mona M. Stagen on September 9, 1989; she preceded him in death on January 8, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wheeler began farming at the age of six; he received the prestigious American Farmer Degree at the Future Farmers of America Convention; after graduating from Mt. Zion High School in 1943 he became a leader in the community; and

WHEREAS, He was a charter member of the Mt. Zion Lions Club and served as the first president; he was elected to serve two terms on the school board; he was elected president and assisted in purchasing the McGaughey Grade School property; through the efforts of the community, the school board, and Mr. Wheeler Pittsburgh Plate Glass made the decision to build its plant in Mt. Zion; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler was a third generation member of the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church where he served as organist, a choir member, a deacon, and as an ordained elder since 1948; he chaired the building committee after the original church building was destroyed by fire; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler served fifty-five years with the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District, including seventeen years as the Fire Chief; he later served as President of the Fire District; he considered his work with the Fire Protection District to be one of his proudest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler was a fifty year plus member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge 3300 in Mt. Zion and the Class of '43 Breakfast Club; and

WHEREAS, Dick Wheeler was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; his brother; and two grandchildren; he will be remembered by those who survive him, including his daughters, Donna Lynne Mormino and her husband, Gary; Joda Leigh Rade and her husband, Jim, and Carol Jill Buckley and her husband, Michael; his son, John Eric Wheeler and his wife, Sandy; his step-daughter, Connie J. Danzelsen; his eight grandchildren; his two step-grandchildren; and his three great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of G. Dick Wheeler; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of G. Dick Wheeler as a symbol of our sympathy.