SR0497 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0497 LRB094 14672 LCT 49626 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Karl Berning, formerly of Deerfield, who passed away September 26, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Karl Berning graduated from high school in Washington state and was a 1933 graduate of Blackburn College in Carlinville; and

WHEREAS, He married Alpha Nina Mikkelsen on December 31, 1939, in Fredsville, Iowa; following their marriage, the Bernings moved to Deerfield, where they lived until Mr. Berning's retirement in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berning's public service began in 1946, when he was elected to fill an unexpired term as the West Deerfield Township constable; without suffering an election defeat, Mr. Berning went from constable to West Deerfield Township supervisor in 1953, which included a membership on the Lake County Board, to Lake County treasurer in 1962; in 1966, he was elected to the State Senate as a Republican and was re-elected four times until his retirement in 1983; and

WHEREAS, He was twice elected chairman of the Lake County Board; during his tenure, the Lake County Public Works Department was established to bring sewer and water service to western Lake County and the Lake County Public Commission was formed, which built the new Lake County administration building; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berning was the first president of the Lake County Forest Preserve District that purchased the first forest preserve district land in Lake County; he was also among several people who helped establish a permanent home for the Lake County Museum; and

WHEREAS, Karl Berning was also active in his community; he was a life elder at Trinity United Church of Christ in Deerfield, a member of the Lions Club, and was a 32nd degree Mason; he was active in many local theater productions in Deerfield; and

WHEREAS, While living in Florida, he was a volunteer mediator for 15 years in the 20th Judicial Circuit Lee County Small Claims Court; he was active in the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, the Trawler Village Board, and the Landings Yacht, Golf & Tennis Club; and

WHEREAS, Karl Berning was preceding in death by his wife, Alpha Nina, in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berning will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and loved him, especially his sons, Grant (Beverly) and Randall (Carol Ann); his daughter, Penny (Larry) Schafer; his grandchildren, Bryan (Robin) Berning, Andrew (Lauren) Schafer, Karmin (Thomas) Schafer Hansen, and Mathew Berning; and his six great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Karl Berning; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family.