SR0580 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0580 LRB101 13172 ALS 62012 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Julius W. Hegeler II of Danville, who passed away on July 5, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II was born in Danville to Madelle and Edward C. Hegeler II on May 9, 1928; he graduated from Danville High School in 1946; after attending the University of Illinois and serving in the Army National Guard for three years, he earned a business degree from Millikin University in 1950; he then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was a decorated fighter pilot and flew 70 missions in the Korean War as a first lieutenant; he married Bobette Steely in 1956; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II returned to Danville in 1955 and, along with his brother Edward and partners Harry and Robert Peterson, built what would become Peterson-Puritan Inc., a chemical packaging company and one of Vermilion County's largest employers; the company was sold to Corn Products Co. in 1966, but he remained a vice president until his retirement in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II loved his community and always strived to make it a better place for all who lived there; in the latter part of his life, he donated millions to local entities and projects; most of his philanthropic efforts focused on education, the environment, health care, historic preservation, the arts, and helping people with disabilities; his generosity benefited numerous organizations, including the Danville Public Schools, OSF Healthcare Sacred Heart Medical Center, the Danville AMBUCS, the Vermilion County Conservation District, the Danville Family YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville, the Danville Area Community College Foundation, WorkSource Enterprises, the Danville Public Library Foundation, the United Way of Danville Area, the Laura Lee Fellowship House, the Vermilion County War Museum, and the Vermilion County Airport Authority; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bobette; his sister, Madelle Semerjian; and his brother, Edward Hegeler; and

WHEREAS, Julius Hegeler II is survived by his daughters, Alix Hegeler and Madelle Hegeler; and his son, Harlin Steely Hegeler; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Julius W. Hegeler II 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 Julius Hegeler II as an expression of our deepest sympathy.