HR1403 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1403 LRB096 23457 GRL 42998 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Russell Edward Christian of Grayslake, who passed away on August 8, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian was born in Waukegan on September 5, 1928; his parents were Stanley and Hazel (nee Kapheim) Christian; he married Shirley Oilschlager on February 27, 1965, in Lindenhurst; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian graduated from Waukegan High School in 1946; he served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Army's 11th Airborne Division; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian served as an accounting supervisor with the Frank G. Hough Company/International Harvester/Dresser Industries in Libertyville for many years until his retirement in 1987; in 1989, he was elected to the position of Avon Township supervisor, serving the residents of the Round Lake communities, Hainesville, Grayslake, Third Lake and surrounding unincorporated areas; he served in that position until April of 2006; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian was a charter member of the VFW Ron Hill Memorial Post 2245; he served on the Grayslake High School Board of Education and served as a Grayslake Village trustee for 12 years; he served as executive director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member and chairman of the Grayslake Economic Development Commission; he was active in the Grayslake Lions Club, the Military Order of the Cooties Pup Tent IL081, the American Legion Post 0659, and the St. Therese Janssen Foundation Board of Directors; he was also a charter member of the Grayslake Kiwanis Club and a member of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian is fondly remembered by many in the Round Lake and Grayslake areas as "Santa", a role that gave him much pleasure; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Rosella Oilschlager; his brother, Richard Christian; and his grandson, Grant Russell Christian; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Shirley; his children, Karen (Kirk Smith) Christian Smith, John (Shelly) Christian, and Patti Gail (Jack Wells) Byers; his grandchildren, Lucas and Alec Christian, Benjamin and Molly Smith, Michael (Lisa) Lessard, and Joshua (Freddie) Johnson; and his 2 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Russell Edward Christian; and be it further

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