SR0037 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0037 LRB101 07239 MST 52277 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bernard Francis "Bernie" DeVries of Antioch, who passed away on August 2, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries was born at home on the farm in Rib Falls, Wisconsin to Sam and Effie (Andringa) DeVries on December 29, 1925 and grew up in Sparta, Wisconsin; he left high school in 1943 during his junior year and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a shipfitter/hull technician; he married Helen Margaret Sands in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1947; he served onboard the USS Saipan and was stationed at a variety of locations, including Cuba, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Key West, Great Lakes, and Pearl Harbor; he retired from the Navy in 1963 after 20 years of service and settled in Antioch; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries continued his welding career first in Trevor, Wisconsin and then in Libertyville until he retired in 1987; he was a member of UAW Local 1643; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Bernie DeVries received his high school diploma with the Sparta High School graduating class; it was a proud moment as he accepted his diploma and a certificate of recognition from the commander of the Fort McCoy Army Garrison in Tomah, Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries was a member of Antioch American Legion Post 748, serving in many capacities, including post commander numerous times; he was also a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, VFW Sequoit Post 4551, and the United Methodist Church of Antioch; he and Helen volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years and were active in the USO at the Great Lakes Naval Base; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries was an active beekeeper for over 35 years and was a member of the Lake County Beekeepers Association; in 2014, he received the Illinois Beekeepers Association Pioneer Award for his work in promoting beekeeping; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents; his brothers, Morris, Harvey, and Thomas; his son-in-law, David J. Valentine; and his grandson, Jack Bernard Valentine; and

WHEREAS, Bernie DeVries is survived by his daughters, Margaret (James) Cole, Christine (Kenneth) Smith, Colleen Valentine, and Dianna (Jack) Baseley; his brother, Gordon DeVries; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bernard Francis "Bernie" DeVries and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bernie DeVries as an expression of our deepest sympathy.