SR1380 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1380 LRB098 22040 MST 60907 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard A. "Dick" Schwebel of Peoria, who passed away on July 15, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel was born in Vandalia on October 14, 1942 to Raymond and Minnie (Van Cloostere) Schwebel; he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria; he married Marjorie A. Hoffer on June 1, 1963 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Morton; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel began his career at Wabco (now Komatsu) and Caterpillar in Peoria; he served in senior executive positions at J.I. Case in Racine, Wisconsin and at the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas; he was Chief Executive Officer at Bomag and Compaction America in Springfield, Ohio and at Cedarapids, Inc. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; in semi-retirement, he consulted for Paladin, where he worked on important war projects in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel was known as "Mr. Marketing" in the construction equipment field; he developed programs emulated industry-wide; he was instrumental in creating the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association, which produces the largest trade show in America, and served as an officer on its Board; he developed the J.I. Case Excavator Rodeo and created the Cessna Hangar 10 shops, capturing America's fascination with flying; he served on the American Road and Transportation Builders Association Board of Directors, where he focused on the nationwide high-speed rail initiative; he also served on the Board of the National Automotive Parts Association; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel was highly involved in civic organizations, including the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, which he co-founded at Bradley University; the Newman Club at Bradley University, which he served as President; the Father Raho Council Knights of Columbus, which he co-founded in Morton; the West Racine Kiwanis, which he co-founded in Racine, Wisconsin; Marty's Men's Retreat at the Siena Center, which he co-founded with Fr. Martin Pable in Racine, Wisconsin; the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in Springfield, Ohio; the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and originator of the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Ohio; he served as a commissioner on the City of Peoria Heart of Peoria Commission, as a commissioner on the City of Peoria Planning Commission, and as a board member of the Peoria Historical Society; he was a member of the Greater Peoria Rose Society, Caper's Club, and the Moss-Bradley Residential Association; he served on the Board of Directors of Children's Oncology Services, Inc. in Chicago, which sends more than 400 children with cancer to camp each summer at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and to which the Jeffrey A. Schwebel Memorial Foundation is a major contributor; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel was never too busy to serve as a leader of the Cub Scouts or Indian Guides, sponsor an immigrant for citizenship, or assist with Mass at his parish; in 2009, he was the recipient of a mayoral proclamation from Mayor Jim Ardis for his outstanding service to his community; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel was preceded in death by his parents, and by one son, Jeffery A. Schwebel; and

WHEREAS, Dick Schwebel is survived by his wife, Marjorie; their children, Todd Schwebel, Monica Orr, Scott (Alexis) Schwebel, and Brian Schwebel; his 6 grandchildren, Sean and Caroline Orr, Noah and Cole Schwebel, and August and Colette Schwebel; and one brother, Raymond J. Schwebel; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard A. "Dick" Schwebel, 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 Dick Schwebel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.