SR0566 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0566 LRB104 17559 ECR 30987 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wayne Allen Gurnsey, who passed away on January 1, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey was born to James Gurnsey and Hazel (Colston) Gurnsey on September 26, 1948; he was raised in rural Cass County; he married Patricia Ann "Trish" Standish at St. Basil's Church in Chandlerville on July 2, 1971; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey, after farming for many years, began working for People's State Bank in Chandlerville, and he concluded his career at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey Wayne was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Chandlerville Masonic Lodge 724; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey enjoyed basketball and baseball, and he loved traveling across the United States with his wife, golfing with his sons and his friends, spending time with his family, showing cattle, and farming; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey, affectionately known as "Papa Wayne" to his grandchildren, was immensely proud of his family and loved them fiercely; he will be remembered for his dependable, gentle, and patient nature; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Sam; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Gurnsey is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Ann Gurnsey; his sons, Aaron Wayne (Sarah Kink) Gurnsey and Neil Allen (Janelle) Gurnsey; five grandchildren; three bonus grandchildren; his sister, Sheila (Charlie) Burton; one niece; one great-niece; two great-nephews; and his siblings-in-law and their families; 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 Wayne Allen Gurnsey 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 Wayne Gurnsey as an expression of our deepest sympathy.