SR2184 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2184 LRB100 24250 MST 43482 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Janet L. Kaizer of Peoria, who passed away on October 28, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer was born in Ft. Riley, Kansas to Richard and Eleanor (Mitchell) Cook on October 20, 1944; she graduated from Washington Community High School and received a music degree from the University of Illinois, where she studied with Soulima Stravinsky; she received her master's degree in music performance at Bradley University and completed course work toward her Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis; she married Edward Joseph "Ed" Kaizer in St. Louis in April of 1974; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer grew up playing country, jazz, and ragtime with her family; in 1984-85, she won the title of World Champion Old-Time Piano Player; she was a clarinetist in the Marching Illini (UIUC) and taught high school choir in Washington, Illinois; she performed with orchestras across the United States, Mexico, and Europe; she retired as Professor Emeritus from Bradley University; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer was an organist and pianist in the Peoria area for 53 years at St. Marks Church in Washington from 1960 to 1973, Salem Lutheran Church from 1975 to 1979, and the First United Methodist Church from 1979 to 2014; she provided her memorable music for church services, including marriages, baptisms, funerals, and anniversaries; she also served as the choir organist and pianist for the past 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer and Ed performed together all over the world; they enjoyed performing in their hometown, Peoria, and the surrounding areas at churches, schools, festivals, the Peoria Civic Center, and summer concerts at the Peoria Court House; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer was an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, both state and local chapters, Sigma Alpha Iota, the American Guild of Organists, the Central Illinois Jazz Society, the Musician Union, and Pi Kappa Lambda; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Randy Cook; and

WHEREAS, Janet Kaizer is survived by her husband, Ed; her children, Edward (Lynn) Kaizer, Claire (Doug) Kasamis, John Kaizer, Laraine (Sasha) Kaizer-Viazovtsev, and Joseph Kaizer; and her grandchildren, Alex Kaizer, Drew (Caitlyn) Kaizer, Nick Kaizer, Jackson Kasamis, Lexi Kasamis, and Ella Kasamis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Janet L. Kaizer and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Janet Kaizer as an expression of our deepest sympathy.