SR0138 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0138 LRB103 31474 LAW 59281 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Benjamin Joseph "Ben" Theilen of Springfield, who passed away on December 6, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen was born to Larry and Barbara Bee Theilen in Springfield on April 8, 1978; he earned his bachelor's degree in Education and his master's degree in Administrative Education at Eastern Illinois University; he then obtained a Superintendent Endorsement; he married Morgan M. Park on June 22, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen began his teaching career as an 8th grade math teacher at Pleasant Plains Middle School before becoming assistant principal and then principal; at the time of his passing, he was currently serving as Superintendent of Schools for the Community of Edinburg; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen coached baseball, basketball, and softball in the Pleasant Plains Community Unit School District #8; his most enjoyable coaching experiences were while coaching his son's baseball team and his daughter's basketball team; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen was a member of West Side Christian Church; he was an avid collector of baseball cards, which later turned into a large collection of various items from area auctions; he loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and also enjoyed Illini basketball and participating in fantasy football; on the side, he enjoyed helping his father and uncle as a carpenter and tinkering in the garage; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen will be remembered as a wonderful educator and friend and, most importantly, he will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, son, and brother; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Ann Bee and August and Lena Theilen; and

WHEREAS, Ben Theilen is survived by his wife, Morgan; his children, Grayson, Monroe, and Emmerson; his parents; his brother, Kristofer (Lori) Theilen; the family dog, Charlie; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Benjamin Joseph "Ben" Theilen 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 Ben Theilen as an expression of our deepest sympathy.