SR0475 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0475 LRB103 34257 ECR 64083 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Arthur "Bob" Plaskas of Oswego, who passed away on August 28, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas was born to Joseph and Myrtle Plaskas in Aurora on July 3, 1942; he graduated from Oswego High School in 1960, where he earned 10 varsity letters in football, wrestling, and baseball; he earned a degree in education from Northwestern University in 1964, where he was a Big Ten Conference wrestling champion in the 123-pound weight class; he earned his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1966; he married Margaret Kuney on July 6, 1968; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas started teaching at Holy Redeemer Junior High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1965; he then joined West Aurora High School in Aurora, Illinois as a social studies teacher and an assistant wrestling coach in 1966; he worked as the head wrestling coach of the University of Chicago for a year before returning to West Aurora High School, where he served as head of the Social Studies Department and baseball coach for 13 years, leading the baseball team to four consecutive state tournament appearances from 1973 to 1976, two third place finishes in 1973 and 1975, and two fifth place finishes in 1974 and 1976; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas returned to his alma mater, Oswego High School (OHS), where he served as athletic director and taught American history from 1979 to 1988; during his tenure as athletic director, he successfully obtained funding for stadium lights on the football field, revived the Oswego High School Booster Club, improved the school's weight training facility, and created an athletic training program; after stepping down as athletic director to allow more time for family, he continued to teach at OHS until his retirement in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas was a member of the Oswego Hall of Fame and the West Aurora Hall of Fame; he was named Illinois Baseball Coach of the Year in 1975; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, educator, and coach; and

WHEREAS, Bob Plaskas was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Plaskas; and

WHEREAS, Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret; his sons, Aaron Plaskas and Rob Plaskas; his sister, Mary Ann (Joseph) Klis; his sister-in-law, Sue (Joe) Plaskas; his daughter-in-law, Beth; his granddaughters, McKenna and Delaney; his many nieces, nephews, and friends; and his dog, Waylon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert Arthur "Bob" Plaskas 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 Plaskas as an expression of our deepest sympathy.