HR0867 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0867 LRB101 21058 LAW 71342 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of William Allen "Al" Kolkman of Naperville, who passed away on February 5, 2020; and

WHEREAS, The United States of America and the State of Illinois have been blessed with an abundance of men and women who proudly and bravely serve our country, sacrificing a great deal to defend the cherished causes of democracy and freedom; and

WHEREAS, It is an extraordinary person who selflessly serves and protects others and willingly steps into harm's way to defend our freedom; Al Kolkman was such a person; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman was born in Burlington, Iowa on June 26, 1931; he graduated from Burlington High School in 1950; he attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais; he married Ardell H. "Dell" Jones on May 16, 1969; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman was an active resident of the State of Illinois since 1953, living for a time in Chicago, Kankakee, and Bourbonnais, residing in Naperville from 1969 to 1999, and living for a short time in Glen Ellyn, Plainfield, and Aurora; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman honorably served in the U.S. Army from January 16, 1951 to January 15, 1954; he served in the Korean War from June 1951 until April 1952; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman earned the Korean Service Ribbon for duty performed in the Republic of Korea; he displayed Meritorious Service in a combat zone and Heroic Achievement during combat operations against the enemy and was thereby awarded three Bronze Stars; he earned the commendation of the United Nations Service Medal for serving in a peacekeeping effort in the Republic of Korea for 10 months and 17 days; he was duly decorated with the National Defense Service Medal for his distinguished and honorable service as an active member of the Armed Forces between 1951 and 1954; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman knew the worth of defending liberty around the world and at home; he lived his life with a can-do attitude and knew that tough times never last, tough people do; and

WHEREAS, Al Kolkman faithfully served for the sake of others in the relationships he pursued in business, in service to his community, in his faith while leading his local church, and while serving as a loving son, dutiful husband, patient father, generous uncle, and faithful friend; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of William Allen "Al" Kolkman 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 Al Kolkman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.