SR0835 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0835 LRB096 22343 KXB 41482 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of David F. Rehkemper of Highland, who passed away on May 7, 2010; and

WHEREAS, He was born July 24, 1944 in St. Rose Township, Breese, to August and Bernetta (Ketterer) Rehkemper; on May 1, 1965, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, he married Monica I. Potthast; he attended St. Rose Elementary School and Mater Dei High School, graduating in 1962; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, he worked as a carpenter for Ralph Korte Construction Company and for Aviston Lumber Company; he served in the United States Army Reserve and later became a barber at Ozzie's Barbershop in Highland; in 1968, he partnered with Ed Moenster and Clinton Rogier to form Tri Ford Inc.; they opened for business in 1969 and rapidly grew it into one of the largest businesses in Highland; today the business also includes a location in Greenville; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rehkemper received numerous awards from Ford, including the prestigious Ford Chairman's Award several times; he was named the Time Magazine Quality Dealer among Illinois dealers; he was a Ford Dealer Advertising Association member for more than 20 years, serving as the group treasurer for many years; he was a member of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association; and

WHEREAS, He was named the Highland Business Person of the Year by the Highland Chamber of Commerce in 1995 and was an active Chamber member for more than 30 years; he was a charter member of the Highland Area Community Foundation and served many years on the auction committee of the St. Paul Kirchenfest; he was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland; Mr. Rehkemper was a past president of the Highland Rotary Club, where he achieved perfect attendance awards for nearly two decades and was also named a Paul Harris Fellow of that organization; and

WHEREAS, He served on the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the St. Joseph's Hospital Advisory Board, and the St. Joseph's Hospital Administration Board for many years; he served on the River Bluffs Girl Scout Council and the Trails West Boy Scout Council for more than 10 years; he served on the Highland Community Schools Advisory Council, and was involved personally or professionally with several Highland community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rehkemper had traveled to China, the British Isles, and extensively through Ford Motor Company trips; he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and playing golf; he enjoyed working with people at his dealership, where he had a reputation for being a fair, honest, and friendly merchant and employer; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rich; and his granddaughter, Amanda Lynn Rehkemper; and

WHEREAS, David Rehkemper is survived by his wife; his daughter, Jenae A. (Shawn) O'Neil; his son, Eric D. (Janean) Rehkemper; his granddaughter, Cori A. Rehkemper; his grandson, Braden E. Rehkemper; his sisters, Betty J. (Cornelius "Dick") Richter and Janet C. (Donald) Huelsmann; and his sister-in-law, Darlene A. Rehkemper; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of David Rehkemper; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of David Rehkemper as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.