SR0909 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0909 LRB099 13921 MST 37914 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael J. "Mike" Niska of McHenry, who passed away on August 12, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska was born in Deer River, Minnesota on March 25, 1946 to Arne H. and Jean E. (nee Huck) Niska; he was raised in McHenry; he was part of the McHenry Little League when it was formed in 1954 and was a member of the first class to complete 8 grades at St. Patrick School; he graduated from Marian Central Catholic High School in 1964, where he participated in baseball, basketball, and cross country; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska was a member of the United States Marine Corps, serving 2 tours during the Vietnam War; he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska worked for Lakeland Construction and Curran Contracting and finished as a foreman for Harry W. Kuhn of West Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska was the past Commander of American Legion Post 491 in 1988 and 1989, acting as the Quarter Master of the Post 491 Rifle Squad; he was also a life member of McHenry County VietNow; he was a member of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the National Rifle Association, the McHenry County Shooters Club, the Illinois Sheriffs' Association, the McHenry County Right to Carry Association, and the McHenry County Historical Society; he enjoyed fishing, shooting, and participating in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program during Christmas seasons; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Sherwood; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Huck, Sr.; and his aunt and uncle, Larry and Katherine Huck, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Mike Niska is survived by his cousins, Theresa Smith and Lawrence Huck, III; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Michael J. "Mike" Niska, 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 Mike Niska as an expression of our deepest sympathy.