HR0469 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Peoria icon, Harold A. "Pete" Vonachen, on June 10, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen was born on August 31, 1925, in Peoria, to Dr. Harold A. and Bernice (Verner) Vonachen; he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II; he returned home and attended Bradley University, graduating in 1949; and he married Donna J. Hurst on May 11, 1957, in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, In 1955, Harold Vonachen opened Vonachen's Junction restaurant, whose iconic railroad cars, great food, and owner's larger-than-life personality drew patrons from throughout the State; he sold the restaurant in 1970 and became president of Peoria Blacktop, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen rescued professional baseball in Peoria when he purchased the Peoria Suns in 1983; his commitment to family entertainment led to many highly successful Peoria Chiefs teams, alternating with Cardinals' and Cubs' affiliations; past and future Hall of Fame players have played in now, Dozer Park, one of the nation's finest Class A stadiums; and

WHEREAS, Over his lifetime Harold Vonachen served as commodore for the Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club, president of the Peoria Pacers College Baseball Team, director of the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, director of the Peoria Cerebral Palsy Board, and member of the St. Thomas Parochial School Board; he was president of the advisory board for OSF St. Francis Medical Center, vice-president and a trustee for the Peoria Park District, chairman of the City of Peoria Liquor Commission, a member of the Bradley University Chiefs Club, president of Peoria Mobile Medic Ambulance Co., and a member of the board of trustees for Bradley University; he also served as chairman for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights and as honorary chairman of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon at the Children's Hospital of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen was awarded the Neve Harms Meritorious Service Sports Award in 1979, the Bradley University Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985, the Sporting News Professional Baseball Class A Minor League Executive of the Year in 1985, the Tri-County Sports Figure of the Year in 1985, the Bradley University Centurion in 1986, the University of Notre Dame Man of the Year in 1988, the Caterpillar Community Service Award, the Salvation Army Other Award in 1991, the Lewis Burger Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Award in 1992, the National Society of Fundraising Executives Philanthropy Award in 1992, the Robert H. Michel Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, the Ambassador of Baseball-State of Illinois Chicago Pitch and Hit Club Award in 2005, and the Lions Club Outstanding Achievement Award for JJ Anderson Basketball Camp in 2009; he was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Wall of Fame in 1979, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame 1988, and the Bradley University Sports Hall of Fame in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen met his best friend, Harry Caray, while managing concessions at Bradley University Fieldhouse in 1950; the Hall of Fame broadcaster would routinely call out to "my good friend, Pete Vonachen, in Peoria" during Cubs games; his 1998 eulogy for Harry was celebrated nationally for its humor and its humanity; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen was cherished far and wide for his extraordinary sense of humor, friendships with those he encountered from all walks of life, and his love for baseball; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; his brothers, Jack and Tom; and his sisters, Mary Ann, Bobbie, and Marta; and

WHEREAS, Harold Vonachen is survived by his daughter, Mary "Mikie" Shadid; his sons, Rocky, Greg (Kathy), Dan (Jennifer), and Mark (Amy); his sister, Susie (Jim) Dawson; his grandchildren, Megan Vonachen, Lauren Shadid, Abby Vonachen, Erica Vonachen, Claire Vonachen, Michelle Vonachen, Druschel Vonachen, Jabe Vonachen, Natalie Vonachen, and Jac Vonachen; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Harold Vonachen 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 Harold Vonachen as an expression of our deepest sympathy.