SR0678 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0678 LRB098 14637 MST 49461 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ralph E. Johnston of Johnsburg, who passed away on October 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnston was born on August 23, 1925 in Latham to Harold and Stella (nee Gasaway) Johnston; he attended the University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; he served his country for 4 years in the United States Navy during World War II; he married Madeline Berner on May 26, 1951 at St. Nicholas Church in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnston was employed by the Claude S. Gordon Company in Richmond for 40 years, eventually becoming their Vice-President of operations; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnston was an avid gardener and a golf enthusiast; he also enjoyed wintering in Florida and Arizona and loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events; he liked to volunteer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnston was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Madeline, and by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnston is survived by his children, John (Susan) Johnston and Mary Lou (Gerald) Assell; his grandchildren, Jill (Chris) Martelli, Danny (Jenny) Johnston, Jacob (Monica) Chalupa, and Zachary Chalupa; his great-grandchildren, Gracie and Benjamin Chalupa; his step-grandchildren, Jeremy, Gabby, and Alex Assell; and his many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

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