SR0430 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0430 LRB100 12414 MAS 25221 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Fred Becker of Crystal Lake, who passed away on April 6, 2017 at the age of 77; and

WHEREAS, Fred Becker was born to Captain Russell and Ruth Becker; he graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Music from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago; he proudly studied organ with Dr. Edward Eigenschenk and Stella Roberts; he served in the United States Army and married Linnea in Crystal Lake in 1968; and

WHEREAS, Fred Becker had an accomplished career as a musician; he served as the church organist at Bethany Lutheran Church for 40 years until 1996, and at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Johnsburg from 1996 to 2001; he appeared as a guest organist at many churches throughout the Chicago area and performed at various community nursing homes, senior, and community centers; in his early career he was an elementary music teacher, a private studio organ instructor, a teacher at McHenry County College, and a Salesman/Concert Artist at Weaver's Piano and Organ Studios in Elgin; he was an active member of the American Guild of Organists and spent many years working for several area banks; and

WHEREAS, Fred Becker was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; his passions were his family, music, and the pipe organ; he loved to spend time with his family and friends and enjoyed photography, trains, and organ music; and

WHEREAS, Fred Becker was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Fred Becker is survived by his wife, Linnea; his daughters, Pam Becker and Vicki (Jeff) Smith; two grandchildren; and many relatives, cousins, nieces, and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Fred Becker, 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 Fred Becker as an expression of our deepest sympathy.