SR1068 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1068 LRB103 41118 ECR 74335 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ardo C. Holmgrain of Rock Island, who passed away on June 7, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain was born to Elmer and Clara Bleuer Holmgrain in Moline on February 4, 1928; while a high school student, he worked for the Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company during World War II; he graduated from Rock Island Senior High School in 1946; he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Ft. McPherson, Georgia; he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1948; he majored in mathematics and physics, graduating from Augustana College in 1952; he married Carolyn J. Whitcomb at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island on October 26, 1956; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain began his 32-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1953, serving as chief of estimating and specifications; during his tenure, he received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Act Award for Value Engineering, and numerous other recognitions; he was also an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers for more than 55 years, serving as secretary for three years; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain was a member of the Rock Island Rotary Club, where he served as president, had over 50 years of perfect attendance, and was a Paul Harris Fellow; he was instrumental in the creation of the club's highest honor, the A.T. Peara Award, a lifetime achievement award presented to a member that best represents the ideals of Rotary International; he and his wife served as a host family for visiting Rotary Youth Exchange students, and they were also key figures in the founding of the Rock Island Summerfest; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Island and a past member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island; he served as president of several organizations, including the Rock Island Engineering and Scientific Corp, the Rock Island American Scandinavian Society, and the Youth Guidance Council of Rock Island, creating the professional Youth Services Bureau, and he served on the Rock Island County Historical Society Board; he was also a member of the Mercer County Historical Society, the Natural Area Guardians, the Figge Art Museum, the Putnam Museum, the Quad City Botanical Center, the Rock Island Preservation Society, and the Quad City Symphony; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain and his wife enjoyed traveling, including visiting all 50 states, 27 national parks, nine Canadian provinces, and 35 foreign countries on five continents; as they aged, they continued visiting family and wintering in Florida; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bruce E. Holmgrain and Dale F. Holmgrain; and

WHEREAS, Ardo Holmgrain is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn; his son, Kent Holmgrain; his daughter, Ardith (Juliusz Sas) Holmgrain; and his grandchildren, Alexander Sas and Sabina Sas; 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 Ardo C. Holmgrain 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 Ardo Holmgrain as an expression of our deepest sympathy.