SR1109 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1109 LRB101 21283 ECR 71873 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leonard E. Krusemark of Lincoln, who passed away on May 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark was born to Elmer and Ruth Gould Krusemark in San Jose, Illinois on March 18, 1930; he graduated from Hartsburg High School in 1947 and attended the University of Illinois, joining the ROTC; he married Betty Ann Cross in Emden on January 22, 1950; while serving in the Illinois National Guard after college, Leonard's unit was called up in 1951; commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Officer Training and Communications, he and his family were stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, Camp Cooke, California, and Ft. Lewis, Washington until after the Korean War ended in 1953; after his service, he farmed for over 50 years on the family property southwest of Emden; and

WHEREAS, Serving the community was important to Leonard Krusemark, and he was happiest when he found some way to help; he served in leadership positions on the Farm Bureau and the Soil and Water Conservation Board; he also held a position on the Hartsburg-Emden School Board and tutored younger students in math and reading; in 2009, he received the Hartem Alumni Wall of Fame "Service to the District" Award for his efforts; he was a regular and committed blood donor who donated over 23 gallons of blood over the years; he also served as a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark worked on several projects for the Logan County Habitat for Humanity and served on the Board of Directors for 25 years; in recognition, he was presented an Honorary Lifetime Membership award in 2019; Leonard was instrumental in securing and building the first Habitat house in Emden, and he was honored as the Lincoln Courier Citizen of the Year in 1998 for his contributions; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Emden, where he taught an adult Sunday School class for over 50 years; he also served on the Church Council and the Worship Planning Committee, taught the Bethel Bible Series, was a member and past president of the Men in Mission Organization, was a member of Men's Brotherhood, and sang in the church choir; in the absence of a regular pastor, he taught confirmation classes; Leonard was continually active in Kogudus, by which thousands of people deepened their faith through weekend retreats and continued fellowship; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark made family a priority and especially enjoyed the annual summer camp outs with his children and grandchildren; music was a big part of Leonard's life, and he instilled that love of music in his family; he will be remembered as a faithful, selfless, honest, loyal, humble, and generous man, full of integrity; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty Ann; his sister, Violet Alberts; and his daughter, Kay Tubbs; and

WHEREAS, Leonard Krusemark is survived by his four daughters, Sue Krusemark, Jill (Jamie) Voyles, Jan (Brian) Anderson, and Joy (Larry) Knicl; his son-in-law, Dick Tubbs; his eight grandchildren, Adam (Mel Bise) Voyles, Collin (Jessica Martin) Voyles, Shelby (Jake Mohr) Voyles, Erik Anderson, Claire (Brandon) Schnier, Alex (Katelyn) Knicl, Scott (Jessica) Knicl, and Lauren Knicl; his three great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Ally, and Dominic Knicl; his sister, Mary Lou Klokkenga; his brothers, Larry (Becky) Krusemark and Dave (Noi) Krusemark; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Leonard E. Krusemark 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 Krusemark as an expression of our deepest sympathy.