SR0280 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0280 LRB102 18372 LAW 26207 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Raymond Edward "Ray" Nelson of Moline, who passed away on May 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson was born in Sherrard to Reynold and Katharine (Hausch) Nelson on March 26, 1932; he graduated from Sherrard High School and the Moline Institute of Commerce; he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War; he married Sheila Rae Behm in Davenport, Iowa on August 24, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson worked at the John Deere Foundry for over 27 years and retired in May 1986; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson was a member of First Congregational Church; he volunteered with River Action; he was a counselor for Trinity SHIP; he enjoyed being with friends, walking, reading, and woodcarving; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson's family was the most important thing to him, and he especially loved attending his grandchildren's sporting and other events; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson was preceded in death by his parents and his infant daughter, Amy Rae Nelson; and

WHEREAS, Ray Nelson is survived by his wife, Sheila; his daughters, Marcia (Craig) Johnson and Lori Willhite (Jim Franks); his grandchildren, Kirsten (Emanuel Mendes) Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Alex Willhite, Erin (Ethan) Lafary, and Austen Willhite; his great-grandson, Henry Luke Lafary; and his sister-in-law, Phyllis (Gary) Ammeter; 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 Raymond Edward "Ray" Nelson 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 Ray Nelson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.