SR0496 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0496 LRB098 12941 GRL 47447 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Edward L. Meister of Peoria, who passed away on July 19, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister was born on September 10, 1925 in Chicago; his parents were David W. and Lillian M. (Kaufman) Meister, Sr.; he married Bernetta "Bernie" J. Pascoe on September 16, 1949 in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister was employed in the mechanical contracting industry for 63 years; he served as the Executive Vice-President of the Meyer Furnace Company, then as the Executive Vice President of Meister Brothers Inc.; he was also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of TEMCO Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister and his brother, Paul, co-founded the Berean Prison Ministry, which brings the message of the Word of God to those who are imprisoned; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister served his beloved Apostolic Christian Church as a song leader, teacher of an adult Bible class, Sunday school teacher, choir director, and faithful brother; he also lent his time and talents to the service of several community missions, including the Peoria Rescue Mission, the South Side Mission, and Faith Hope & Love; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister was an accomplished musician and a member of the Pals of the Saddle Cowboy Band and the Brothers of Harmony Gospel Quartet; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister enjoyed music and held a great appreciation for the majesty of the mountains and the challenge of mountain climbing; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David, Jr., Raymond, Paul, and Walter; and his sister, Janet; and

WHEREAS, Edward Meister is survived by his wife, Bernetta; his sons, Edward C. (Dana) Meister, Robert A. (Tonia) Meister, and Scott R. (Kathy) Meister; his daughters, Ellen I. (Leon) Robison and Martha J. (Gordon) Steffen; his 22 grandchildren; and his 12 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Edward L. Meister; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Edward Meister as an expression of our sympathy.