SR0352 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0352 LRB103 32791 MST 62595 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John J. Konopek Sr., who passed away on May 26, 2023; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek was born to Jacob and Jennie (Sonce) Konopek on May 27, 1931; he graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in 1945, Joliet Catholic High School in 1949, and Joliet Junior College in 1951; he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and spent 17 months in Germany; he was honorably discharged in 1954; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek worked as a clerk for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek was a passionate sports fan and especially loved Joliet Catholic Academy sports and the Chicago Cubs; he had a love of baseball and was active in the St. Joseph baseball organization as a manager and board member; he and his wife, Rosemary, established the first women's board in the organization as well; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek was a member of St. Joseph Church in Joliet, the Will County Old Timers Baseball Association, where he served as secretary for several years, St. Joseph Seniors, Crest Hill Seniors, KSKJ St. John's Lodge 143, Holy Name Seniors, American Legion Post #1080, and VFW Cantigny Post #367; he was a 1977 inductee into the Senior Services Center Volunteer Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek could often be found at St. Joseph's Park; he enjoyed volunteering his time to help with parish events and co-chairing the annual St. Joseph Homecoming Picnic; he helped facilitate the first BINGO games at the park 40 years ago and was a well-known BINGO caller who proudly originated the Early Bird Game; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary (Dorr); his daughter, Janine Kaye; his parents; his sister, Norine Mulbarger; his brother-in-law, Leonard Dorr; his sister-in-law, Joanne Dorr; his brother-in-law, William DePratt; his brother-in-law, Evan Mulbarger; and his beloved dog, Eskimo; and

WHEREAS, John Konopek is survived by his son, John Jr. (Maureen) Konopek; his son-in-law, Sean (the late Janine) Kaye; his grandchildren, Caitlin and Nicholas Konopek and Jacob and Logan Kaye; his sister-in-law, Colette DePratt; and numerous 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 John J. Konopek Sr. 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 John Konopek as an expression of our deepest sympathy.