SR0386 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0386 LRB095 13976 KXB 39789 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael "Mike" L. Eckhard Sr., 87, the famous "Golfman" of Alton, who passed away on September 28, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Michael L. Eckhard Sr. was born May 29, 1920, in Alton to August and Emma (Nolan) Eckhard; he married the former Mary Halbert on November 14, 1947, in Alton; and she passed away on February 2, 1997; and

WHEREAS, He served his country from 1942 to 1945 during World War II, where he received the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, He was instrumental in rebuilding a golf course while serving in Reims, France; he was a golf caddie during the 1920s and 1930s, and was the Alton city golf champion in 1941 and 1942; he gave golf lessons to the local community, was a registered golf professional with the PGA, and played amateur and professional-level golf; and

WHEREAS, He owned and operated the Golfman Golf Shop in Alton and worked for Laclede Steel for 33 years until retiring in 1980 as a master machinist; he was a gallon blood donor with Laclede and a member of the Golf Collector's Society and the Greater Alton Retired Caddie's Association; and

WHEREAS, Michael "Mike" L. Eckhard Sr. is survived by his children and their spouses, Patricia Eckhard, Michael and Mary Eckhard Jr., Rob and Barb Eckhard, Andy Eckhard, Martie and Mike Anderson, and Joe Eckhard; his grandchildren, Adam, Amy, Gloria, Beth, David, Benjamin, Israel "Alex", and Rachel; his step-grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle and Josh; his great-grandchildren; his loving sister, Bertha "Birdie" Byron; and many nieces and nephews; besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Nolan; and five sisters, Agnes, Florence, Augusta, Virginia, and Josephine; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Michael "Mike" L. Eckhard Sr.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Michael L. Eckhard Sr. as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.