SR0312 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0312 LRB100 11879 MST 23466 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leonard W. Biedermann of Woodstock, who passed away on March 3, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann was born to Walter and Louise (Schmitt) Biedermann on March 24, 1925 and grew up in the family business, Biedermann Brothers Coffee in Chicago; he attended Tilden High School before joining the United States Coast Guard, where he proudly served as a signalman on Landing Craft Infantry 322 in the South Pacific during World War II; he earned his degree in English and journalism from Northwestern University and married Helen Bigelow in 1948 in Lombard, where they lived until moving to Woodstock in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann spent most of his career in publishing; he was a creative director at the educational publishing company, Science Research and Associates; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann was an avid fisherman and cherished his time on the water; he was a 4-H leader and loved the county fair; he and Helen were wonderful dancers and took art classes together; at the age of 89, he published a biography of Helen's brother, which he counted among his greatest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann flew the flag every day and attended countless ceremonies for Veterans Day and Memorial Day; in 2011, he flew on the Tulsa Honor Flight with other World War II veterans to visit the Washington military monuments; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Biedermann; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Biedermann is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; his daughters, Christine (Bill) Walker, Amy Halm, and Janet (Edward) Hall; his sons, Bill (Penny) and Geoffrey Biedermann; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Leonard W. Biedermann, 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 Leonard Biedermann as an expression of our deepest sympathy.