SR0414 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0414 LRB104 15228 ECR 28377 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Earl E. "Skip" Rueter Jr. of Quincy, who passed away on August 22, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter, the son of Earl and Marguerite (Klarner) Rueter, was born in Quincy on September 2, 1940; he graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1958; he served in the United States Army, where he was a paratrooper with the 101St Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; he married Barbara "Barby" Hussong on May 26, 1962; and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter initially worked at the Electric Wheel Company before joining Prairie Farms Dairy, where he started on the loading dock and later served as plant manager, retiring after 38 years service; and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter was a member and past president of the former Exchange Club of Quincy, now known as the Quincy Service Club; during his tenure, the organization brought the Gus Macker basketball tournament to Quincy in 1991, and in turn, he created SKIPPYVILLE at the intersection of 5th and Jersey; he received the organization's Distinguished Secretary Award, was named Exchangite of the Year in 1995, and awarded lifetime membership in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter was a member of Salem Church; he was a former member of the Trojan Drum and Bugle Corps, and he helped form, run, and teach the Flying Dutchmen Drum Corps; he was one of the early coaches with the Quinsippi Soccer League; he was also a member, past board member, and past president of the Cedar Crest Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Ricky Rueter and Steven Rueter; and his sister, Shari (Chuck); and

WHEREAS, Skip Rueter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barby; his children, Greg (Sherry) Rueter and Melissa (Mac) Rueter; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his siblings, Bill (Sanfra), Penny (Lewis), and Marsha (Steve); and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Earl E. "Skip" Rueter Jr. 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 Skip Rueter as an expression of our deepest sympathy.