SR0472 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0472 LRB103 34258 MST 64084 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James R. Wabel of Springfield, who passed away on July 25, 2023; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel was born in Peoria to Lewis P. and Grace (Miles) Wabel on November 6, 1931; he graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1950 and the UCLA School of Aeronautics at Santa Maria, California in 1951; he was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and served as an aircraft and engine mechanic during the Korean War; he received the National Defense and Good Conduct medals; he married Betty Irene Seitz in Decatur on July 5, 1952; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel retired from Ameritech and the Illinois Bell Telephone Company after 34 years of service; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel was a lifelong active member of Laurel United Methodist Church in Springfield; he was also a lifelong member of the Springfield Consistory Masonic Lodge and the American Legion; he was a member of the Sangamon Valley Flying Club, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the Springfield Camera Club, Lincoln Land ALL, Pioneers of America, and the Springfield Coin Club; he volunteered for 15 years at the Kumler Food Pantry; he was also a volunteer at the University of Illinois-Springfield auditorium for 18 years and a volunteer and guide at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for many years; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel was an avid reader and enjoyed anything regarding aeronautics, history, and his favorite cartoon, Calvin and Hobbes; he was a world traveler and enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes, hunting, fishing, and wood carving, as well as his many friends at Laurel United Methodist Church and the Concordia Village Community; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel was a good husband, father, and grandfather and especially enjoyed spending time with his family; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Roberta Harney, Lois MacCormack, and Opal Bogner; his brothers, Clarence, Lewis Jr., and Robert Wabel; his brother-in-law, Dallas Seitz; and his great-grandchild, Campbell Koons; and

WHEREAS, James Wabel is survived by his wife, Betty Wabel; his daughters, Marcia (Dennis) McCormick and Rita (Kevin) Fuchs; his grandchildren, Kasey McCormick, Colin (Erinn) McCormick, Christopher (Corinne) Fuchs, Claire (Joshua) Koons, Jacob Fuchs, and Joshua Fuchs; his great-grandchildren, Renley and Makenna Fuchs; his sister-in-law, Nancy Seitz; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 James R. Wabel 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 James Wabel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.