SR0253 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0253 LRB102 18240 ECR 25895 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lorraine Wirges of Rantoul, who passed away on April 3, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Wirges was born to Luther and Maggie (Thompson) Potteiger in Columbus, Nebraska on June 17, 1923; she graduated from Fullerton High School in May of 1940; she married Leonard Wirges at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fullerton on November 6, 1947; and

WHEREAS, During the Korean War, Lorraine Wirges was employed by the U.S. Army; the family moved to Rantoul in October of 1959 where both she and her husband where employed and retired from the UASF at Chanute Air Force Base; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Wirges was always active in the community; she was a member of the Rantoul Garden Club at local and state levels, a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary; she and her husband were active in getting several Blue Star Markers at various locations, designed to honor those serving in the military, including Illinois' 100th marker at Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul; they were also primary contributors to the local community's annual Arbor Day celebration, planting at least one new tree each year and getting Rantoul designated a Tree City USA each year by the Arbor Day Society; she was most dedicated to St. Malachy Catholic Church, where she served many years as the greeter at funerals and as lector; she also was on the Tree Committee, Rantoul; and

WHEREAS, In her younger years, Lorraine Wirges liked skeet shooting; she was an outdoor person, a beekeeper, a gardener, and an animal lover; she enjoyed horseback riding and playing bridge; she and her husband were natural dancers and enjoyed attending a Valentine's Day dance in the community each year; she will be remembered as an amazing woman; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Wirges was preceded in death by her son, Paul; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Wirges is survived by her husband; her daughter, Victoria Jeakins; her son, David (Orquidea); her five grandchildren; her ten great-grandchildren; and her two great-great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lorraine Wirges 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 Lorraine Wirges as an expression of our deepest sympathy.