SR1497 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1497 LRB101 23063 ECR 74191 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James "Gene" Chamberlain of rural Albany, who passed away on November 10, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain was born to George and Rosella (O'Neil) Chamberlain in Newton Township on May 17, 1928; he graduated from Erie High School in 1946; he married Dorothy Mae McKenna at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Erie on May 26, 1951; he served as Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army for two years and was a Korean War Veteran; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain had a successful farming career in Whiteside County that spanned his lifetime; he served many years on the ASCS and FSA committees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; he was the Meredosia Levee and Drainage District Commissioner for 43 years and served the last 22 years as chairman; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain was a lifelong member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and was active in many roles, including serving as a Trustee for 20 years, as the first President of the Parish Council, and as a Eucharistic Minister; he was a third and fourth degree Knight of Columbus and a lifelong member of the American Legion and the Albany Lions Club; he had the privilege of being part of the first Quad City Honor Flight for Korean War veterans in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain enjoyed spending time in his fields, talking shop with other farmers, proudly supporting the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, traveling, playing cards, and spending time on his computer; he could fix almost anything and acted as the family historian; he will especially be remembered for his quick wit and funny jokes; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; his son, Greg; his son-in-law, Art Mack; his brothers, Leo, Howard, and Clyde; and his sisters, Lorraine Verkruysee, Dorothy Schroeder, and Isabel Hood; and

WHEREAS, Gene Chamberlain is survived by his children, Teresa (Jim) Anderson, Chris (Cheryl) Chamberlain, Laura (Brian) Currie, Cynthia "William" Elsbury, Dennis (Cheryl) Chamberlain, Rebecca Mack, Veronica (Michael) Saad, and Maria (Russ) McAtee; his 23 grandchildren; his 23 great-grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and his cousins; 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 James "Gene" Chamberlain 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 Gene Chamberlain as an expression of our deepest sympathy.