SR0475 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0475 LRB100 12548 MAS 25632 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert L. "Beef" Freund of McHenry, who passed away on April 17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund was born to George P. and Mary A. (Meyer) Freund on November 1, 1930; he graduated with the Class of 1948 from McHenry High School and served his country in Korea as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953; he married the love of his life, Renee A. Kalsch, at St. Mary Church in McHenry on November 26, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund worked with his father and brothers at the family business founded by his father, George P. Freund Inc., for 52 of the 61 years they were in business and sold agricultural, construction, and lawn and garden equipment; he started as a mechanic, then became shop foreman, and was eventually in charge of lawn and garden sales; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund had a passion for music which he shared with McHenry residents as a member or leader of various musical groups; he began his interest in music in high school playing with the McHenry High School Band; he continued his participation with the drum and bugle corps, first with the McHenry Red Devils and later with the Men of Brass; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund also formed his own musical groups including the Bob Freund five-piece band and 10-piece orchestra, and the Fireball 8 Dixieland Band; they were hired for weddings, anniversaries, banquets, and other social gatherings; he played in the McHenry City Band for 56 years and served as the band director for 13 years; the bandshell was named in his honor in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund volunteered his musical talents as a bugle instructor for the McHenry Viscounts Drum & Bugle Corps and was featured as the bugler at many Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations; many veterans' families were honored to have him play "Taps" at funerals; he was a staple at every Marine Days/Fiesta Days parades, starting with the high school band, then the drum and bugle corps, and finally with Fireball 8, until his health forced an early retirement in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund was a longtime member of St. Mary Church in McHenry, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and Court 594 and its Legion of Honor; he was a member of American Legion Post 491 in McHenry, the McHenry Rotary, and served on the McHenry Library Board; he was a lifetime member of the McHenry VFW Post 4600 where he served as Commander from 1967 to 1969, then again from 1974 to 1975; he also served as the Quartermaster and a member of the Board of Directors for 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James Freund and George Freund; and his sister-in-law, Gloria Freund; and

WHEREAS, Robert Freund is survived by his wife of 61 years, Renee; his children, Judi (Larry) Jones, Renee (Kent) Crossland, Ron (Patty) Freund, and Michael (Christine) Freund; his grandchildren, Casey Jones, Rob (Grace) Jones, Jenny (Andy) Marse, Curtis (Audra) Crossland, Kevin (Anna) Crossland, Jon Freund, Michelle Freund, Paige Freund, and Kate Freund; his great-grandchild, Ivy; his sister-in-law, Doris Freund; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert L. "Beef" Freund, 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 Robert Freund as an expression of our deepest sympathy.