SR0692 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0692 LRB103 36564 LAW 66671 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Alphonse A. DeBruine of East Moline, who passed away on December 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse DeBruine was born to Celest and Ermine Steene DeBruyne in Silvis on January 22, 1927; he graduated from United Township High School in 1944; he married Leora J. Leibee in Silvis on June 25, 1949; he served in U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Following 38 years of service as a tool and die maker for John Deere Harvester Works, Alphonse DeBruine retired in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse DeBruine was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his Bellanca Cruiseair airplane from 1969 to 1988; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Alphonse DeBruine enjoyed golfing in the summer, making seven holes-in-one and becoming known as the "Mole Man" on the course, and bowling in the winter through the Senior League at Highland Park Bowl; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse DeBruine was affectionately known as "Grandpa Oak-O-Doak-O" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse DeBruine was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Vallery; his parents; and his siblings, Frank, Morris, Agusta, Rose, Lara, Anna, and a sister in infancy; and

WHEREAS, Alphonse DeBruine is survived by his wife of 74 years, Leora; his son, Vance (Carolyn) DeBruine; his grandchildren, Heather DeBruine, Matthew (Morgan) DeBruine, Nicole (Alex) Deitrich, and Brandon (Laura) DeBruine; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb, Wyatt, Robert, and Jackson, with one on the way; 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 Alphonse A. DeBruine 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 Alphonse DeBruine as an expression of our deepest sympathy.