SR0375 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ralph Converse of Peoria, who passed away on June 9, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was born on June 29, 1941, in Akron, Ohio, to Irving "Cotty" and Ethelyn "Jackie" (Smith) Converse; he attended the University of Illinois, where he played centerfield for the Illini; upon graduating in 1963, he played semi-pro baseball for several years in Kane County and Evanston; he married Jane Griffin Bodman on October 17, 1964, in Winnetka; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse worked for IBM for over 32 years, retiring as Peoria Branch Manager; he also worked as the president of Cullinan Properties, followed by 9 years as vice-president and general manager of the Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball team; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse devoted much of his time to serve his community and volunteered for many boards and organizations including the Peoria Zoological Society, the United Way (founding member of the Pillars Society), The Salvation Army, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, and the Economic Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was a member of First Federated Church, Country Club of Peoria, and Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club; he enjoyed golf, tennis, baseball, skiing, traveling, time with friends and family, and taking trips to Tucson, Arizona; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was preceded in death by his mother, Ethelyn; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Amy (Andy) Schlicksup and Ted (Kara) Converse; his grandchildren, Georgia West, Janey Schlicksup, and Sophia and Kate Converse; his step-grandchildren, Jack and Jake Rieger; his brothers, Daniel, Dennis, and Roger; his father, Irving; and many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ralph Converse, 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 Ralph Converse as an expression of our deepest sympathy.