SR0004 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0004 LRB103 24807 LAW 51138 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Eldon Ray Arnold, formerly of Peoria, who passed away on December 30, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold was born to Dorothy (Miller) Boostrom and Estill Arnold in Monmouth on July 22, 1944; he graduated from Galesburg High School in 1962, where he was a decorated high school wrestler and All-State football player who also made the All-American football team; he married Beverly Jeanne Johnson on November 7, 1964; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold began his career at Caterpillar in the factory in 1965; over time, he developed skills in programming and project management in the office; he was a longtime board member of CEFCU; in 1992, he retired from Caterpillar and went to work at CEFCU full time, where he assumed the role of president and CEO in 1998 before retiring in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold served as a member of CUNA Mutual Holding Company's Board of Directors for nearly 13 years, including serving as board chairman for the final four years of his tenure; in 2004, he was appointed to serve a 2-year term on the Federal Reserve Board's Thrift Institutional Advisory Council under Chairman Alan Greenspan's tenure; and

WHEREAS, For his athletic accomplishments, Eldon Arnold was inducted into the Galesburg High School Hall of Fame in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold was known for his love, which was loyal, fierce, and unwavering; over the years, he frequented the stands of hundreds of sporting events for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making himself known as their biggest fan; he was affectionately known as "Poppi" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold will be remembered for his beautiful outlook on life, patient tenacity, and uncompromising grit; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Arnold; and

WHEREAS, Eldon Arnold is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly; his sons, Eric (Melanie) Arnold and Bradley (Amy) Arnold; his nine grandchildren, with three married; his four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Arnold, Jacqueline (Darren) Niles, and Christa Kay; his many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and extended family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Eldon Ray Arnold 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 Eldon Arnold as an expression of our deepest sympathy.