SR0631 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0631 LRB103 35547 LAW 65619 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lynda Kay (Warfel) Fishel, the former Mayor of Arcola, who passed away on November 8, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel was born to Orville Herman "Hank" and Adeline Josephine (Hinton) Warfel in Tolono on August 2, 1939; she attended Unity High School, where she was later inducted into the Hall of Fame as a distinguished alumni; she attended Gulfport College in Mississippi and later attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale; she married John Virgil "Jack" Fishel Jr. in Arcola on December 27, 1958; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel was integrally involved in the bustling days of Arcola's downtown tourism and commerce industry, owning and operating dress shop The Tailored Lady in the Arcola Emporium; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel was appointed as Mayor of Arcola in 1991; her exceptional leadership skills and tireless efforts to improve the lives of residents led to her election for two four-year terms in 1993 and 1997; during her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Arcola, secured a sustainable water source for the city, and worked to promote Arcola as a destination for tourists from all over the world, leading to the establishment of sister cities in both Mexico and Japan; she also actively participated in the Central Illinois Municipal Officials Association (CIMOA), where she served as president at one time; and

WHEREAS, Beyond her mayoral role, Lynda Fishel was deeply involved in various community projects; she was instrumental in the establishment of the original Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and the expansion of the industrial park in Arcola; as a member of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce, she worked diligently to foster collaboration among local businesses and drive economic development; she also served on several boards, including the Arcola School Board, the Parkland College Board, the First Mid Bank Board, the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Board, and the Arcola Public Library Board; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel found comfort in various activities that enriched her life and the lives of those around her; she was a master gardener and often shared clippings of flowers and herbs from her yard with friends; she volunteered with an organization focused on rescuing sea turtles during her time in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico; she especially enjoyed caring for others by sharing meals and providing comfort through the art of cooking; she and her husband Jack shared a deep love of spending time with family, watching football, listening to music, dancing, and sharing coffee in the mornings, tea on the patio in the afternoons, and sunsets in the evenings; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel was known for her warm and loving personality and her way of making others feel loved and appreciated; she will be remembered as an excellent leader who remained committed to serving and advocating for her community; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her in-laws, and her half-sibling, Charles "Chuck" Clementz; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Fishel is survived by her children, John Virgil (Loretta) Fishel III, Jeff (Toni) Fishel, Jim (Chris) Fishel, Amy Jo (Bob) Mueller, and Allison (Brett) Keller; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother Linden (Kay) Warfel; and her half-siblings, Vikki (Dave) Hemrich and Chris (Paula) Clementz; 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 Lynda Kay (Warfel) Fishel, the former Mayor of Arcola, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lynda Fishel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.