SR0719 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0719 LRB103 37083 ECR 67201 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas W. "Tom" Ortciger, who passed away on December 7, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Tom Ortciger was born to Edward and Mildred (Jirkovsky) Ortciger in Chicago on February 14, 1941; he graduated from J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero; he attended Northwestern University and graduated from Shimer College in 1964; he married Nancy Cruthis; and

WHEREAS, Tom Ortciger had a long and distinguished career in public service; he was an executive assistant to Congressman Edward Derwinski and worked for the administrations of Governor James Thompson, Governor Jim Edgar, and Governor George Ryan; he served as assistant director of the Illinois Department of Registration and Education and then as deputy state fire marshal; he was appointed director of the Illinois Emergency Services & Disasters Agency in 1988; due to his superb skills in handling critical issues, he was then appointed director of the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety; and

WHEREAS, Tom Ortciger served as alderperson for the Village of Leland Grove for many years until 2005; and

WHEREAS, Tom Ortciger was initiated into the Westchester #0995 Masonic Lodge in 1965, where he remained a member until he became affiliated with the Temperance #0016 Lodge in Vandalia in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Tom enjoyed traveling, hunting, spending time outdoors, and discussing politics; he was an incredible chef who cooked legendary seven-course Christmas dinners for family and friends; he will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his sarcastic, sharp wit; and

WHEREAS, Tom Ortciger is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Ortciger; his son, Edward (Lisa) Ortciger; his stepchildren, Margie (Dave) Chilovich and Chip (Lynn) Fritzsche; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two cousins; and many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas W. "Tom" Ortciger 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 Tom Ortciger as an expression of our deepest sympathy.