SR0205 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0205 LRB103 31917 LAW 60629 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Thomas B. "Tom" Christell Jr. of Springfield, who passed away on April 14, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell was born to Thomas B. and Viola Arline (Evans) Christell Sr. in Chicago on May 16, 1951; he married Patricia Chelgren on June 16, 1973; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell retired from Grace Lutheran Church after 29 years of service; he previously served at St. Peter's Church in Arenzville for seven years; and

WHEREAS, During his time at Grace Lutheran Church, Rev. Christell traveled with adults and youth to the Boundary Waters for fishing, canoeing, and fellowship; he was committed to working with the youth of his church and served as a mentor to young members, attending many trips, retreats, and other adventures; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell participated in Confirmation Camp for all 36 years of his ministry; while providing oversight of the Central Southern Illinois Synod Lutheran Youth Organization, he organized and operated many youth conventions and gatherings, and he was an integral part of the Leadership Lab program for decades; after serving as coordinator of the Advanced Level of Leadership Lab for several years, he became the co-director in 2000; during his tenure, he prided himself on creating scholarship funding for kids to attend the Leadership Lab; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell expanded the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry to be one of the largest in Springfield, taking pride in the fact that he never used administrative funds for the food pantry as it was a self-sufficient program that ran on donations, volunteers, and the desire to help those in need; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell served many charities and organizations outside the parish, including Lutheran Social Services in Illinois, Habitat for Humanity, the Springfield Choral Society, and Downtown Springfield Incorporated; he also took part in the Lincoln Funeral reenactment and procession from the train station to Oakridge Cemetery in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell loved golfing, fishing, and watching the Chicago Cubs; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell loved being a grandfather and was very proud of his grandchildren; he enjoyed spending time playing and laughing with his grandchildren and great-grandchild; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Matthew Charles Christell; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Christell is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patti; his children, Thomas B. "Chip" (Erica) Christell III, Amy (Jason) Harshman, Stephen (Katie) Christell, and Katie (Gabriel) Gonzalez; his grandchildren, Collin, Nathan, Addison, Chase, Owen, Emily, Max, Jacob, Hallie, Sofia, David, and Benjamin; his great-grandson, Zane; his brothers, Kevin (Linda) Christell and Craig (Michelle) Christell; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; 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 Reverend Thomas B. "Tom" Christell Jr. 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 Rev. Christell as an expression of our deepest sympathy.