HR0040 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0040 LRB096 05819 GRL 17709 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Eugene C. "Gene" Drendel of Naperville, who passed away on October 16, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel was born on November 30, 1936; he attended SS. Peter & Paul Grade School and was a member of Naperville Community High School's Class of 1954; he earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in educational administration from Iowa State College in Ames, where he met his future wife, Sharon; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel had a long and accomplished career in education; he began his career in DeKalb, where he served as a middle school math and science teacher; returning to Naperville in 1963, he taught at Lincoln Junior High School and later served as assistant principal; in 1966, he became principal of Naper Elementary School; in 1969, he went on to serve as an interim principal at Beebe Elementary School; in 1970, he helped open Jefferson Junior High School, where he served as principal until 1985; in 1985, he was elevated to the position of Associate Superintendent of Instruction for Naperville School District #203 for grades 6 through 12, where he remained until his retirement in 1994; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Gene Drendel mentored many future educators at North Central College in Naperville for the next 10 years, teaching an introduction to teaching course and coordinating student teacher placements; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel was recognized twice by the Naperville Jaycees for his contributions to public education as an "Outstanding Young Educator" and as a "Distinguished Educator"; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel was active in youth athletics, especially wrestling, high school football, and Little League Baseball, as a coach, announcer, and supporter; he was an inductee into the SS. Peter & Paul School Hall of Fame, the Naperville Central High School Hall of Fame, and the IHSA Wrestling Hall of Fame; Kennedy Junior High in Naperville, which opened in 1990, was dedicated in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel was active in many civic and charitable organizations; he was an active member and past-president of the Naperville Rotary; he served on the DuPage County Fair Board, Little Friends, Naperville River Walk Commission, and the Shanower 9/11 Memorial; he was a longtime member of SS. Peter & Paul Church in Naperville; he was proud of his Naperville heritage and was committed to the community and its educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Gene Drendel was the loving husband of Sharon M. (nee Fogarty) Drendel, whom he married on June 25, 1960; the beloved father of Terri Drendel, Joseph (Eileen) Drendel, Douglas Drendel, Andrea (Steve) Coates, and Sean (Crissy) Drendel; the adored grandfather of Hunter, Serena, Ellie, and Aiden Drendel, Madisen and Korey Gonzalez, and Courtney, Alex, and Nicole Coates; the devoted son of the late Andrew and Cleo (nee Reidy) Drendel; the dear brother of Ken (Jean) Drendel, Harriet (Ray) Kuhn, Grace Steininger, and the late Thomas (Nancy) Drendel; the fond uncle of many; and the loving brother-in-law of the late Ginny (the late Thomas) Drendel; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Eugene C. "Gene" Drendel; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gene Drendel as an expression of our sympathy.