HR0468 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0468 LRB098 12501 MST 46913 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Ralph J. Converse of Peoria, who passed away on June 9, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was born June 29, 1941, in Akron, Ohio, to Irving "Cotty" and Ethelyn "Jackie" Smith Converse; he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1963 with a degree in engineering; he played centerfield for the Illini and was a loyal fan for over 50 years; he played several years of semi-pro baseball in Kane County and Evanston; he married Jane Griffin Bodman on October 17, 1964, in Winnetka; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse had a distinguished 32-year career at IBM before retiring as branch manager in Peoria; he was president of Cullinan Properties before renewing his passion for baseball as vice-president and general manager of the Peoria Chiefs for 9 years; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was admired for his enthusiastic leadership, devotion to his family, his business success, and his passion for the Peoria community; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse enjoyed the highest level of respect and gratitude from the many residents, elected officials, and friends whose lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse was an energetic fundraiser and volunteer who served many groups including the United Way (founding member of the Pillars Society), the Salvation Army, Easter Seals, the Boy Scouts, the Peoria Zoological Society, and the Economic Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Converse is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughter Amy (Andy) Schlicksup; his son, Ted (Kara) Converse; his grandchildren, Georgia West, Janey Schlicksup, and Sophia and Kate Converse; his step-grandchildren, Jack and Jake Rieger; his brothers, David, Dennis, and Roger; his 97 year-old father, Cotty; and many other members of the extended family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ralph J. Converse, 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 Ralph J. Converse as an expression of our deepest sympathy.