SR0441 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0441 LRB103 33879 MST 63696 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Merwin W. "Mert" Klawonn of rural Cambridge, who passed away on August 18, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Merwin Klawonn was born in Moline to Ivan W. and LaVanna (Stender) Klawonn on August 10, 1947; he was raised and educated in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1965; he attended electronics school in Des Moines, Iowa; he served in the U.S. Army; he married Jacquelyn "Jacki" Clark in Cambridge on June 5, 1976; and

WHEREAS, Merwin Klawonn farmed in the Cambridge area for his entire life until retiring in 2009; he served as the sexton of the Andover Township Cemetery for 26 years, retiring in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Merwin Klawonn's memberships included Andover American Legion Post #465 and the National Farmers Organization; and

WHEREAS, Merwin Klawonn was preceded in death by his wife, Jacki; his parents; and his brother, Veryl Klawonn; and

WHEREAS, Merwin Klawonn is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Kelsey Klawonn; his brother, Gaylen Klawonn; and nieces, nephews, and a special cousin, Gary Klawonn; 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 Merwin W. "Mert" Klawonn 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 Merwin Klawonn as an expression of our deepest sympathy.