HR0356 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0356 LRB104 13682 MST 26358 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Andrew James "Andy" Werhane of Poplar Grove, who passed away on April 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane was born to Mary and James Werhane on October 26, 1982 and raised in Lena; he graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 2001, where he played both football and baseball; he graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a high school teaching certificate; he earned a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Concordia University in 2016 and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2023; while going through school, he also worked in his family's trucking business, Werhane Enterprises, washing and maintaining trucks; he married Sarah Werhane on November 12, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane was passionate about being an educator and made a lasting impact on the community of Belvidere during his time at Belvidere High School, where he taught English for nine years, and later as assistant principal of Washington Academy; he coached baseball, bowling, and golf and inspired countless students with his guidance and compassion; he was also a technology coach for nine years; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears; he enjoyed music and golf and was a lifelong seeker of knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane was a devoted and caring husband, father, friend, and teacher; he was known for his humility and kindness; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane was preceded in death by little Baby A and his nephew, Patrick Michael Heagney; and

WHEREAS, Andy Werhane is survived by his wife, Sarah; his children, Olivia Katherine Werhane and James Arthur Werhane; his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Timothy and Suzanne Heagney; his siblings, Nicholas James (Katherine) Werhane, Joseph James (Genevieve) Werhane, and Ryan James (Heidi) Werhane; his brothers-in-law, Timothy (Samantha) Heagney Jr. and Thomas Heagney; his nieces and nephews, Lillian, Ellaina, Noah, Brinley, Allie, Charlotte, and Layton Werhane; his grandparents, Fred and Betty Werhane and Ronald and Patricia Mahon; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, students, and colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Andrew James "Andy" Werhane 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 Andy Werhane as an expression of our deepest sympathy.