SR1447 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1447 LRB099 16269 MST 40599 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Vernon Ryckeghem of Moline, who passed away on December 28, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem was born in Moline to Maurice and Rachel Dankaert Ryckeghem on April 3, 1926; he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps; he enlisted in 1944, served in the Pacific Theather during World War II and was discharged in 1946; he then reenlisted in 1947 and served in the Korean Conflict until 1949; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem married Catherine "Kay" Creen in Moline on October 29, 1946; he served his community by joining the Moline Fire Department, retiring at the rank of Captain after 26 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; he loved fishing, hunting, and camping with the family; he loved playing Rolle Bolle at his Ex-Servicemen Club, but his true love was simply spending time with his family and playing euchre with his brothers-in-law; he and his wife were members of St. Mary's in Moline, where they helped start the food pantry; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem was followed in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Kay on December 30, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Ryckeghem is survived by his children, Richard A. (Kathy L.), Janis K. Rasso, Terry Mooney, and Tami D. (Tom) Cox; his 16 grandchildren, Scott and Kelly Ryckeghem, Tracey and Mike Gowdy, Todd and Deb Ryckeghem, Heather and Andy Wangler, Eric and Kristin Rasso, Maranda and J C Millman, Lindsey and Brad Hines, and Elizabeth and Jeff Rose; his 19 great-grandchildren and one on the way in January; his 4 step-great-grandchildren; and his 2 step-great-great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Vernon Ryckeghem, 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 Vernon Ryckeghem as an expression of our deepest sympathy.