SR1255 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1255 LRB100 16232 ALS 31355 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Carl Eugene "Gene" Shrader of Morton, who passed away on December 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Gene Shrader was born in Shannon City, Iowa to Carl and Cleo Shrader on June 20, 1936; he was the fifth of ten children; he graduated from Rock Island High School in 1954; he served in the United States Army as a cook in a variety of posts around the world, including Greenland; he married Aga Rita Nelson in Morton on September 29, 1963; and

WHEREAS, Gene Shrader began working at a local grocery store at age nine to help support his family; after he married, he returned to the grocery business and gained a reputation for hard work, honesty, and an uncanny business sense; he represented national products such as Green Giant, Gatorade, and Planters; he advanced to an executive leadership role with Calkins and Company, a nationwide food brokerage company; he retired as an owner of the company in 1992; he and his son started Parkway Auto Laundry Car Wash in Bloomington-Normal in 1998; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Gene Shrader became active in the banking industry and was a member of the Morton Community Bank board, a position from which he recently retired; he also served as a Morton City Councilman and as a deacon at New Castle Bible Church; and

WHEREAS, Gene Shrader enjoyed reading, playing golf, softball, and euchre, attending cookouts, and traveling with family and friends; he especially enjoyed his annual fishing trip with friends to remote locations in Canada; he was committed to his faith and was a member of New Castle Bible Church and traveled the world on mission trips; he was known for his wide-ranging generosity; and

WHEREAS, Gene Shrader was preceded in death by his parents; five of his brothers; and one of his sisters; and

WHEREAS, Gene Shrader is survived by his wife of 54 years, Aga Rita; his children, Kelle (Mark) Ashton, Darin (Melissa) Shrader, and Amanda Shrader; his grandchildren, Caleb (Erica) Ashton, Caysie Ashton, Josiah Ashton, and Haiven Ashton; his sisters, Deloris (William) Fox, Barb (Larry) Osterhagen; his brother, Emmett (Carla) Shrader; his many nieces and nephews; and his many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Carl Eugene "Gene" Shrader 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 Gene Shrader as an expression of our deepest sympathy.