SR2252 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2252 LRB100 24345 ALS 43658 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Louis Leonard "Len" Dirksen of Springfield, who passed away on November 25, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Len Dirksen was born in Springfield to Lawrence G. and Mary Helen Leonard Dirksen on December 11, 1942; he graduated from Cathedral Boys High School and earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in special education from SIU Carbondale; he married Julie Bucari, and they raised their daughters in their hometown, surrounded by a very loud, very loving family; an Eagle Scout, he made sure his daughters knew how to change their own tires, bone a fish, and read a map; and

WHEREAS, Len Dirksen was a proud member of the American Business Club, and his duties at the State Fairgrounds Grandstand meant a lifetime of memories; he played baseball with the Un-Stars and was famous for his grilled corn at season-end parties; he organized the LPGA Rail Classic Charity Golf Outing for many years and was a core member of the Governor's Prayer Breakfast Committee; and

WHEREAS, Len Dirksen was quick with a warm smile, had a laugh that filled any room, and sported a mischievous twinkle in his eye; he was generous and loyal; a proud Irish-Catholic Kennedy Democrat, he was active in politics; he was a proud father and grandfather and made good friends wherever he landed; and

WHEREAS, Len Dirksen was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lawrence G. Dirksen; and his sister, Diane Skaggs; and

WHEREAS, Len Dirksen is survived by his daughters, Molly (Camilo Rasquin) Dirksen and Betsy (Tom Jr.) Dirksen Londrigan; his grandchildren, Jack, William, and Kathryn Londrigan; the mother of his children, Julie Bucari Dirksen; his nieces, Linley Bowyer, Ashley Vasconcelles, and Sherry Skaggs; his nephews, Gary Dirksen and Larry Skaggs; and his many beloved cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Louis Leonard "Len" Dirksen 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 Len Dirksen as an expression of our deepest sympathy.