SR1582 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1582 LRB101 23248 ECR 74396 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Duane Brooke Cultra of Onarga, who passed away on November 16, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Duane Cultra was born to Archie James and Grace Greenwood (Brooke) Cultra in Watseka on March 13, 1925; during World War Two, he served as a B17 pilot and flew 53 missions and sorties before being wounded by antiaircraft flack fire; he married Mary Jane Teller in St. Petersburg, Florida on June 2, 1944; after the war, he attended the University of Illinois and earned a degree in electrical engineering; and

WHEREAS, Duane Cultra was president of the Onarga Nursery Company, which was started by his grandfather, Robert Cultra, in 1865, after his return from service during the Civil War; the nursery continues to operate under the direction of family members; and

WHEREAS, Duane Cultra's love for flying continued throughout his life; he enjoyed traveling with his wife in his Piper Comanche and did so until his 80th birthday; he was a strong man with a loving, compassionate side; and

WHEREAS, Duane Cultra was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers; his sisters; and his daughter, Lucinda Brooke (Alvin) Wilken; and

WHEREAS, Duane Cultra is survived by his wife of 76 years, Jane; his children, Terence Patrick (Donna) Cultra, Cynthia Jane (Douglas) Harford, Shane (Peg) Cultra, and Mary Melissa (James) Downey; his 16 grandchildren; and his 30 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Duane Brooke Cultra 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 Duane Cultra as an expression of our deepest sympathy.