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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of
4Kenneth L. Pickerill, who passed away on September 12, 2019;
5and
 
6    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was born near Summit, Kentucky
7to William and Luna (Pence) Pickerill on December 14, 1927; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill, known for his tremendous
9athletic ability and storied contributions to high school
10football, both as a player and coach, began his career at
11Streator High School in 1942; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Always true to his passion for helping others,
13Kenneth Pickerill enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating
14from high school in 1945 and served aboard the U.S.S. Gosselin;
15he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in
161948; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Upon returning from his tour of duty, Kenneth
18Pickerill enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU),
19where he resumed his football career and became NIU's starting
20quarterback; during his time at NIU, he met Jaqueline "Jackie"
21Brooks, who would eventually become his wife for 48 years until

 

 

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1her death in 2001; and
 
2    WHEREAS, After graduating from NIU, Kenneth Pickerill
3began his teaching and coaching career at Oswego High School,
4while continuing his education and earning a master's degree in
51959; in 1971, he and Jackie opened The Jaqueline Shop in
6downtown Oswego, which became a thriving business that served
7Oswego residents for 25 years; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Known as the "Ultimate Panther", Kenneth
9Pickerill was a stalwart of Oswego High School sports; although
10he may be best and most widely known for his success on the
11football field, he was successful in coaching multiple sports,
12ultimately becoming athletic director for the school and head
13football, wrestling, and baseball coach; he earned five
14football championships in his 15 years of coaching Panthers
15football, coached eight all-state wrestlers, and won three
16state wrestling championships; he also coached Panther
17baseball for nine years and led them to one district and one
18regional championship; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's strong record of leadership,
20mentorship, and demonstrable success coaching Oswego High
21School athletes earned him inductions into the Illinois High
22School Wrestling, Baseball, and Football halls of fame;
23additionally, he earned an Illinois Merit Award from the

 

 

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1Illinois State Board of Education in 1998; and
 
2    WHEREAS, While Kenneth Pickerill will undoubtedly be
3remembered for his accomplishments on the field, those who knew
4him understand that he was proudest of his accomplishments off
5the field; he was a loving husband, kind uncle, and friend to
6all; and
 
7    WHEREAS, With words of encouragement or a donation of his
8own time or resources, Kenneth Pickerill was always willing to
9give for the betterment of others, be it a friend or stranger;
10and
 
11    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill will forever be known as a man
12who always gave to his community without the need for
13recognition, reward, or acknowledgement; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's legacy is one that will be
15remembered by the Oswego community and discussed for
16generations to come; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was preceded in death by his
18beloved wife, Jacqueline; his parents; his sisters, Eula Adams
19and Rosave Handy; and his brother, Charles Pickerill; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill is survived by his sister,

 

 

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1Martha Vanko; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and
2grandnephews; and the countless young men and women who had the
3great pleasure of learning, growing, and succeeding under his
4direction, both as a teacher and coach; therefore, be it
 
5    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
6HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
7we mourn the passing of Kenneth L. Pickerill and extend our
8sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
9and loved him; and be it further
 
10    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
11presented to the family of Kenneth Pickerill as an expression
12of our deepest sympathy.