SR0967 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0967 LRB103 40423 MST 72738 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael W. "Mike" Malmstrom of Moline, who passed away on April 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom was born to Willa Mae (Stark) and Lawrence Daniel Malmstrom on March 26, 1953 and was raised in humble surroundings in Moline; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom became an active member of the United States Marine Corps in 1972 and then seven months later joined the Marine Corps Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom was employed by McLaughlin Body in 1973; he became a union member in good standing with UAW 1414 as an assembler, spot welder, and forklift driver; he started work for John Deere Harvester Works in January of 1974 and joined UAW 865 during that time; while employed, he was instrumental in starting the first annual, official, East Moline Labor Day Parade in 1983 and was chairman of the parade committee for four years; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom returned to John Deere Harvester Works in 1993 and, after giving another 10 and a half more years, finally retired in 2004; he stayed on as a union member in good standing with UAW 865's retiree group; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom had the pleasure of working alongside U.S. Congressman Lane Evans, also a Marine veteran, as his scheduler and driver for State functions; over the past 15 years, he served as the precinct committeeman for South Moline 19; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom joined and then became commander of AMVETS #145 of East Moline, serving for 21 years; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom served as the finance officer for American Legion Post 582 of Erie; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom joined Marine Corp League (MCL), Lincoln Detachment in 1990; with his abounding energy, hard work, and affable personality, he become MCL Department of Illinois Commandant in 1993; over the past 30 years, he held various other positions, most recently as their finance officer; he was a representative of the Combined Veterans Association for the MCL and then appointed as chairman; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom enjoyed deer hunting, woodworking, and traveling the country on his motorcycle with his wife in his spare time; for over 30 years, he brought happiness to everyone around him, dressing up as Santa and visiting children, veterans, and nursing homes; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom has been involved with the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) since 2010, serving the first four years as its vice president; in 2015, he became its president and served until his passing; he also served on the state board of ARA for six years; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom had been president of Bridging the Gap for Homeless Vets since 2001, helping to coordinate and host the veterans Stand Down Events; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom will be forever remembered as an inspirational person who never hesitated to help his family, country, and corps and who served the veterans community of Illinois with dignity and incredible devotion; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom was a mentor to new and existing Marine Corps League Department officers and was gracious and generous with his time and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom was a dignified U.S. Marine and volunteered for any situation when needed; he will be honored by his devotion to his brothers and sisters in harm's way for all years to come; and

WHEREAS, Mike Malmstrom was the devoted husband of 48 years to his beautiful wife, Sheila Malmstrom, and the loving father of five and the grandparent to eight adoring grandchildren, Jenica, Linnea, Alicia, Patrick, Karl, Caleb, Ariannah, and Isaiah; 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 Michael W. "Mike" Malmstrom 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 Mike Malmstrom as an expression of our deepest sympathy.