SR0748 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0748 LRB100 13209 MAS 27628 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Dr. Eugene Hobday Winkler of Naperville, who passed away on June 16, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler was born in Dewitt, Arkansas to Eugene D. and Hester E. Winkler on December 28, 1933; he was a proud Eagle Scout and was lovingly married to Marilyn Louise Moyer Winkler; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler was a United Methodist preacher who served local congregations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois for more than 50 years; he was the senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple; he was an acclaimed preacher, a deeply and widely read man, and a noted theologian; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler was a founder of Protestants for the Common Good; he served on the Illinois Gaming Board, and with the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Wiley College, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and countless other organizations; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler was a believer in forgiveness, love, mercy, kindness, and justice; he was a historian on the Civil War and his beloved City of Chicago; he was a ceaseless advocate for civil rights and inclusion of all people and was known for his commitment to social justice causes; he was passionately involved in struggles against racism, war, poverty, and was fearless in his advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn, and his brothers, Paul (Gail) and Edward (Nina); and

WHEREAS, Eugene Winkler is survived by his children, James (Michelle), Christopher (Kerry), and Grace Elizabeth (Jim) Cranley; his grandchildren, Kristen (Darren) Garvey, Brandon (Sharlene), Grace (Alan) Shwartz, Samuel, Austin, Maddie, and Zaida; and his great-grandchildren, Elliott and Leo; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend Dr. Eugene Hobday Winkler, 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 Eugene Winkler as an expression of our deepest sympathy.