SR1406 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1406 LRB098 22247 MST 61124 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Russell J. Kipkowski of Spring Grove, who passed away on July 26, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski was born in Chicago on August 15, 1938 to Roman and Ladislava "Lottie" (nee Shronkowski) Kipkowski; he lived with his family in the Norwood Park neighborhood and attended the William J. Onahan Elementary School and Taft High School; he served in the United States Navy and married Barbara Joanne Borucki on November 23, 1959 at St. Thecla Catholic Church in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years; he and his wife's travels took them from Juneau, Alaska to the South Pole, from San Francisco to Hawaii, and from Vietnam to Marathon, Florida; although he sailed on many ships throughout his career, it was the USS Rockaway and her crew that earned a special place in his heart; he was decorated with numerous honors and awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in Seattle, Washington; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski pursued his passion of a career in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff for 19 years in the King County Sheriff's Department in Washington State; after residing in Venice, Florida for a short period of time, he and Barbara moved to Spring Grove to be closer to family; he achieved his lifelong dream by serving as a Marine Patrol Officer on the Chain O' Lakes for the McHenry County Sheriff's Office; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski was a member of the McHenry Masonic Lodge, the Tebala Shriners, and the Medina Shriners organizations; he actively participated in parades around the area as a "Genie" on his magic carpet; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and "Lottie" Kipkowski; his brother-in-law, Hank Seligmann; and his nephew, Kenneth Seligmann; and

WHEREAS, Russell Kipkowski is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; his children, Natalie (Robert) Duma and John Kipkowski; his granddaughters, Sheridan and Bergen; his sister, Hermina "Mickey" (Hank) Sasse; his sister-in-law, Darlene (the late Hank) Seligmann; his brothers-in-law, Gerald Borucki and George (MaryAnn) Borucki; his many nieces and nephews; and his beloved Jack Russell rescue dog, Snickers; therefore, be it

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