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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3 learn of the death of James F. Markelz of Joliet, who passed
4 away on July 15, 2009; and
 
5     WHEREAS, James Markelz was born on January 29, 1933; he was
6 the third son of Anton J. and Angela B. Markelz; he married
7 Marge Hammel in 1955; and
 
8     WHEREAS, James Markelz was a lifelong resident of Joliet;
9 he was a 1947 graduate of St. Raymond Grade School and a 1951
10 graduate of Joliet Township High School; he attended the
11 University of Wisconsin-Madison before serving his country in
12 the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, working as a
13 chaplain's assistant in Germany during the Korean War; and
 
14     WHEREAS, James Markelz worked for his father at The Book
15 Shop; he later served as President of Markelz Office Products
16 until his retirement in 1995; and
 
17     WHEREAS, James Markelz was an active leader in his
18 community, most notably with his work for the Joliet Area
19 Community Hospice, St. Paul the Apostle Parish and School,
20 Joliet Catholic High School, and St. Francis Academy; and
 

 

 

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1     WHEREAS, James Markelz enjoyed music, having played the
2 saxophone in college and later the organ, and was an active
3 member of the choir at St. Paul's for over 30 years; after his
4 retirement, he composed dozens of wonderful songs for children
5 and for reflection; several of his songs have been produced and
6 distributed for so many to enjoy; he was also an avid Chicago
7 Blackhawks fan; and
 
8     WHEREAS, James Markelz was preceded in death by his
9 parents; his brother, Frederick "Jack" Markelz; and his
10 granddaughter, Madeline Markelz; and
 
11     WHEREAS, James Markelz is survived by his wife, Marge; his
12 children, Janet Markelz, Greg (Tami) Markelz, Nancy (Steve)
13 Gatens, Carl Markelz, O.Carm, Paul Markelz, and Aimee (Dave)
14 Tracy; his grandchildren, Molly O'Sullivan, Anthony (Jessica)
15 and Lauren Markelz, Sarah and Marty Gatens, Christopher and
16 Alexander Markelz, and Kathryn and Mary Margaret Tracy; his
17 brother, Dr. Robert (Evelyn) Markelz; his sister, Jean (Bill)
18 Mammosser; and his many nieces and nephews; and
 
19     WHEREAS, James Markelz will be remembered by all who knew
20 and loved him as a devoted husband and dedicated father and
21 grandfather, who tirelessly helped anyone in need with their
22 business or personal ventures; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1     RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL
2 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with
3 his family and friends, the passing of James F. Markelz; and be
4 it further
 
5     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
6 presented to the family of James Markelz as an expression of
7 our sympathy.