SR0363 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0363 LRB103 32916 LAW 62720 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the deaths of Michael "Mike" and Amy (Baker) Zinchuk of Champaign, who passed away on May 1, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Mike Zinchuk was born to Roger and Hope Zinchuk in Chicago on January 3, 1968; and

WHEREAS, Amy Zinchuk was born to Eileen Owens and Robert Baker on July 6, 1968, and she was raised in Gifford; and

WHEREAS, Mike and Amy Zinchuk attended and met at the University of Illinois; they were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford on October 10, 1992; they raised their three children in Champaign, where they also became known for their penchant for raising big, friendly dogs; at the time of their passing, they had been married for over 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Mike Zinchuk was one-of-a-kind, a man who built his life around supporting his children and wife, was fierce in standing up for his family and himself, and was always willing to help a neighbor or offer help; through his own actions and encouragement, he instilled the values of critical thinking and hard work in his children; and

WHEREAS, Mike Zinchuk was known for his unmatched knowledge, goofiness, and vocabulary; he was an avid reader and lover of history, and he never stopped learning about individuals who inspired him; his mastery of the Lord of the Rings series was only surpassed by author J.R.R. Tolkien himself; and

WHEREAS, Amy Zinchuk was well known in the community for her passion for music and teaching piano; she loved music from an early age, and she started her college career studying music; after becoming a mother, a role she valued above all else, she began teaching friends' children at their request; through word of mouth, her home piano business grew to 60 students and lasted several decades; and

WHEREAS, Amy Zinchuk was her family's rock and their go-to person whenever anything bad or good happened; she cared deeply about her students and family; she passed on her personal brand of music to anyone she met, especially her children, and lived her life with the strong belief that dancing is appropriate in nearly every environment; and

WHEREAS, Mike and Amy Zinchuk were individuals who complemented each other in their differences and shared the same values and love for their children; they will remembered as beloved parents, friends, and so much more to many; and

WHEREAS, Mike and Amy Zinchuk were preceded in death by Mike's mother, Hope Zinchuk, and Amy's father, Robert Baker; and

WHEREAS, Mike and Amy Zinchuk are survived by their daughter, Elizabeth Zinchuk Stultz; their sons, Ethan Zinchuk and Matthew Zinchuk; their son-in-law, Joshua Stultz; their son's girlfriend, Francesca Roelle; Mike's siblings, Christine (Jim) Blaul, Tom Zinchuk, Joe (Julie) Zinchuk, Mary (Karl) Sealund, Brian (Jenny) Zinchuk, and John (Molly) Zinchuk; Amy's siblings, Neil (Diane) Baker and Julie Baker; 14 nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and their Alaskan Malamutes, Odin and Storm; 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 Michael "Mike" and Amy (Baker) Zinchuk and extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mike and Amy Zinchuk as an expression of our deepest sympathy.