SR0488 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0488 LRB094 14905 AMC 49940 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois were saddened to learn of the death of John Werner "Wernie" Hoefert, Sr., of Alton on Wednesday, October 19, 2005; and

WHEREAS, John Hoefert was born on November 2, 1927 in Alton to Harold T. and Clara Louise (Taphorn) Hoefert; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from St. Mary's Grade School and Marquette High School, both in Alton; he also attended Marquette University in Milwaukee and received his undergraduate and law degrees from Washington University; he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy from August 1945 to 1947 and was a sergeant in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954; and

WHEREAS, On October 3, 1953, John Hoefert married Yvonne Kesl at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hoefert practiced law in Alton for over 50 years; in addition to his own law practice, Mr. Hoefert was a city attorney for Alton between 1957 and 1969; he is remembered as a gentleman of the old school and inspired a younger generation of attorneys, including 2 of his children, John "Jack" Hoefert, Jr., who practiced with his father, and Joe Hoefert; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hoefert loved sports; he was an avid golfer; he became club champion at Rock Springs Country Club at the age of 21 and played for the Army golf team; he boxed as a welterweight when he was at Marquette University and participated in the first televised amateur boxing match in Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hoefert was an active member of his community and church; he was a member of the American Legion, the exalted ruler of the Alton Elks, president of the Alton-Wood River Bar Association, treasurer of the Madison County Bar Association, member of the Illinois, Missouri, and federal bar associations, chairman of the Heart Fund Campaign, member and board member of Lockhaven Country Club, Renaissance Society member at Marquette High School, member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, member of the East End Improvement Association, and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity; he acted as a trustee of St. Mary's Catholic Church and served the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George for several years; and

WHEREAS, The passing of John Hoefert, Sr., has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Yvonne; his children, Jack (Debbie) Hoefert, Jim (Nancy) Hoefert, Joe (Jeanne) Hoefert, Matt (Sarah Beth) Hoefert, Ann (Tim) Kane, and Mary (Mark) Cousley; 19 grandchildren; his sister, Gerry Mitchell; his sister-in-law, Sally Hoefert; his brothers-in-law, Lennie Kesl and Jim (Marge) Kesl; and many close friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Werner "Wernie" Hoefert, Sr., and we 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 his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.