SR0730 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0730 LRB103 39129 LAW 69270 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Henry Knaack of Moline, who passed away on January 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack was born to John H. Knaack Sr. and Mary (Scherer) Knaack in Moline on March 28, 1925; he enlisted in the U.S. Navy before completing his high school education and served during World War II; he was honored with several medals, including the European African Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal; after his honorable discharge in 1946, he obtained his G.E.D.; he married Fanchon "Penny" Nelson in Moline on November 1, 1946, and they enjoyed 70 years of companionship before she preceded him in death in 2016; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack's professional life was characterized by hard work and entrepreneurship; he spent the majority of his career as a respected employee with A.D. Huesing; his entrepreneurial spirit led to him owning and operating his own construction company, Contract Roofing; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack was an active member of the Left Bank Art League, where he shared his passion for creativity and artistry; he was a man of many interests, including painting, flower gardening, bird watching, and fishing; he enjoyed spending countless hours at his camp in Hillsdale on the Rock River immersed in the tranquility of nature, often with family and friends by his side; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he was known for leading a full life marked by service, dedication to his family, and a multitude of interests that brought joy to himself and those around him; he will be remembered for his friendly, thoughtful, and kind nature; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Katherine and Mary; and his brother, George; and

WHEREAS, John Knaack is survived by his children, Georgia (Kent) Stevens, John (Trudy) Knaack, and Julie (Tim) Mills; his grandchildren, Todd (Marni) Stevens, Brett (Brandy) Stevens, Jennifer (Michael) Zambrano, Sara (Jayme) Eckert, Lindsay (Brian) Bell, and Katherine (Jason) Stewart; and 15 great-grandchildren; 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 John Henry Knaack 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 John Knaack as an expression of our deepest sympathy.