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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply
3saddened to learn of the death of Thomas Vonachen of Delavan,
4who passed away on September 11, 2012; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen was born on July 29, 1935, in
6Peoria to Harold and Bernice Verner Vonachen; he graduated from
7Spalding High School and attended Loras and St. Ambrose
8Universities in Iowa; he married Janice Pence on June 2, 1976,
9in Peoria; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen operated the Vonachen's Junction
11Restaurant in Peoria for many years with his brother; he owned
12several restaurants in the Peoria area; he attended the
13University of Illinois Police Academy and was appointed a
14patrolman with the Delavan Police Department in 1976; in 1978,
15he was was promoted to chief of police and served in that
16position until his retirement in 2003; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen has received numerous local and
18State awards, including the Illinois Law Enforcement Officer of
19the Year and the American Legion Meritorious Service Award; he
20was also recognized by President George W. Bush and members of
21the Illinois 93rd General Assembly for his life-long dedication
22and commitment to the citizens of Delavan; and
 

 

 

SR0943- 2 -LRB097 22949 MST 71754 r

1    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen was preceded in death by his
2daughter, Jody Brown; his sisters, Mary Ann, Marta, and Bobbie;
3and his brother, Jack; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen is survived by his wife, Janice;
5his son, Steven Scott Vonachen; his daughters, Jill A. Hayes
6and Kellie Peterson; his 6 grandchildren; his great
7granddaughter; his brother, Harold "Pete" Vonachen; and his
8sister, Susie Dawson; therefore, be it
 
9    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL
10ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
11Thomas Vonachen, and we extend our sincere condolences to his
12family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
13further
 
14    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
15presented to the family of Thomas Vonachen as an expression of
16our deepest sympathy.