SR1203 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1203 LRB102 29033 LAW 40935 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Esequiel Bernardo "Bernie" Rangel, formerly of Silvis, who passed away on September 9, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel was born to Hilario and Lena (Blanco) Rangel in Moline on September 28, 1945; he served in the U.S. Army; he then served as an instructor in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and the U.S. Army Reserves; he was honorably discharged with the rank of master sergeant after over 30 years of service; he married Catherine (Coker) Creighton on the beach at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida on September 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel was passionate about learning; he graduated from United Township High School in 1963, where he excelled in cross country and wrestling and later taught; he attended Black Hawk College and Augustana College; he received his Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; he earned technical certificates in welding, auto body mechanics, diesel mechanics, and auto repair from Scott Community College; he was in the process of earning his graduate degree from Western Illinois University when his devotion to serving as a caretaker for his parents resulted in an 11-year pause in his studies; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel worked at Rock Island Lines, ADM, and International Harvester; he retired as a union carpenter; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel had many interests, including officiating wrestling, volleyball, basketball, football, softball, and baseball; while his favorite sport was basketball, he was most proud of his collegiate volleyball officiating experience; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Richard Rangel, Arthur Rangel, Dolores Rangel, Hilario (Henry) Rangel, and Bernadette Schaecher; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Rangel is survived by his wife, Catherine Creighton; his stepson, Paul (Sarah) Creighton; his step-grandchildren, Miley and Owen Creighton; his siblings, Estella (John Morgan) Rangel, Cecilia Rangel, and Mike Rangel; his brother-in-law, Maurice Schaecher; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Esequiel Bernardo "Bernie" Rangel 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 Bernie Rangel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.