Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0534

SR0534 LRB104 16572 MST 29970 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Eugene "Bob" Leistner of Springfield, who passed on November 18, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner was born to Elmer William and Emma Louise Leistner in Springfield on January 6, 1938; he graduated from Springfield High School in 1956 and attended Vanderbilt University; he graduated from MacMurray College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics; he played basketball at both institutions and was affectionately known as "Tall #54"; he married Rosemary Leach on June 24, 1961; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner joined M.J. Kellner Company in June 1960, retiring in 1988 after 28 years of service, including the last 16 years as general manager; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner focused on community service during his retirement; he served as president of Contact Ministries and served on numerous other boards, including the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, First State Bank (1984-1988), Springfield Mass Transit District (1989-1999) where he served four years as board chairman, and Security Bank Board (1994-2003) where he served three years as building project manager; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner's favorite sport was golf, and he was a longtime member of the Illini Country Club, where he served as past president and was a Illini golf club champion; he also earned the rare achievement of making four holes-in-one; he was past chairman and two-time champion of the Central Illinois Senior Golf Association Tournament; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner was past president of the MacMurray College Alumni Board and the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985, and he was inducted into the MacMurray College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011; he was the reunion chairman for his Springfield High School Class of 1956 for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner was a lifelong member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Springfield, where he served as First Reader, board member, treasurer, and auditor; he was also a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston; he was an astute bridge player and enjoyed many years playing with the Duplicate Bridge Club of Springfield, where he earned the prestigious title of Silver Life Master; he was also a former member of the Capital Investment Club and a stamp collector; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner was a snowbird for many years, enjoying life with his wife in Naples, Florida as members of Windstar on Naples Bay Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Helen Virginia and Elaine Ruth; his in-laws, Edward and Louise Leach and Juliette Leach; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Carol Leach; and

WHEREAS, Bob Leistner is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his daughter, Jill (Daniel) McClelland and grandchildren, David and Michael McClelland; his son, Todd (Candice) Leistner and grandchildren, Jack, Paige, and William Leistner and Claire Mastio; his daughter, Kim Leistner and grandchildren, Amanda and Vanessa Little; his brothers-in-law and their wives, Ted and Beverly Leach and David and Janet Leach; several nieces and nephews; and his dear stepsister, Sally Salvador; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Eugene "Bob" Leistner 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 Bob Leistner as a symbol of our deepest sympathy.