SR0789 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0789 LRB104 21843 LAW 37639 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ronald Ray "Ron" Kuhn, who passed away on April 6, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Ron Kuhn, the son of Orville Kuhn and Barbara (Lemming) Kuhn, was born in Watseka on June 5, 1956; he was raised on a livestock and grain farm; he graduated from Cissna Park High School and continued his education at Parkland College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Ron Kuhn lived primarily in Carbondale and Springfield, working first as a directory assistance telephone operator for GTE; while in Springfield, he built lasting friendships and labored at what he loved; he found his passion in food service as a manager at the popular Feed Store Restaurant, serving many government employees in the Capital City; he was especially proud when he was tasked with preparing a sandwich for the visiting President Barack Obama in 2015; and

WHEREAS, While residing at an assisted living facility in Danville, Ron Kuhn joined its residents' council, through which he advocated for low-income residents to retain more of their monthly Social Security benefits and secured more food menu options for residents with food allergies and diabetes; and

WHEREAS, Ron Kuhn was a lifelong Illini and Chicago Cubs fan, attending many games with family and friends, creating special memories, and collecting Cubs memorabilia; he was also a longtime subscriber to the weekly Cissna Park News and a meticulous historian of the Iroquois County community and his own family origins; and

WHEREAS, Ron Kuhn, a hardworking soul whose dedication and perseverance shaped his life, was known for his natural ability to lift spirits and his enduring love of family and friends; always willing to serve as a champion for the underdog, he will be remembered for his progressive political values, his generosity, his kindness, and his wicked sense of humor; and

WHEREAS, Ron Kuhn was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Yvonne Johnson and Jim Kuhn; and

WHEREAS, Ron Kuhn is survived by his sisters, Betty Seidel, Donna (John) Brown, and Deb (Wayne) Mueller, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; 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 Ronald Ray "Ron" Kuhn 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 Ron Kuhn as an expression of our deepest sympathy.