SR1318 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1318 LRB098 21785 MST 60639 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth K. Hamsher of Fox Lake, who passed away on June 22, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher was born on October 22, 1922 in Flint, Michigan; he was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II and a charter member of the Johnsburg (Volunteer) Rescue Squad; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher owned and operated the K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home (formerly the Justen-Hamsher Funeral Home) from 1953 until his passing; he provided emergency care to Fox Lake and the surrounding communities through his ambulance service until the Fox Lake Rescue Squad came into existence; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Ingleside, the Fox Lake Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Post 703, and the Fox Lake Lions Club; he was a charter member of the Lakeland Cardinals Football Team and was a member of its Board of Directors; he sponsored the Blind Bowlers Association and Grant Township Little League; he was a former member of the Lake County Sheriff's Merit Commission and he served one term on the Grant High School Board, 2 terms as trustee for the Village of Fox Lake, and as Mayor of Fox Lake; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique cars, including his 1927 Meteor Hearse which he drove in many Fox Lake parades; he also enjoyed boating on Chain O'Lakes and gardening; he was an avid Chicago Bears fan and was an animal lover, especially of his Digger I and Digger II; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Thelma (nee Lay); and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Hamsher is survived by his children, Deborah (Dale) Glen, Sr., Sharon (Alan) Breunig, and Kirk Hamsher; his grandchildren, Dale Glen, Jr., Kevin (Katy) Glen, Kory (Lisa) Glen, Joe and Lou Amodeo, Brandon (Meaghan) Breunig, Brittany (Kyle) Pettengell, Logan Ernster, and Hayden Hamsher; great-grandchildren, Gracie, Charlotte, Evan and Emily Glen, Ben, Will, and Hallie Breunig, and Ava, Bella, and David Pettengell; and by many dear friends, his excellent caregivers, and especially his dearest and loving caregiver, Jo; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kenneth K. Hamsher, 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 Kenneth Hamsher as an expression of our deepest sympathy.