HR1225 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1225 LRB095 20878 GRL 49751 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Verda L. Dierzen of Woodstock, who passed away on April 5, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen was born on February 21, 1917 in Woodstock; her parents were Oscar A. and Violet (Ainger) Anderson; she married Lawrence Dierzen on June 6, 1941 in Woodstock; he passed away on August 19, 1996; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen began her formal schooling at Charles School on Greenwood Road before graduating from Woodstock High School in 1934; she then attended Northern Illinois University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education; she earned her master's degree at the University of Chicago in education administration in 1951; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen had a long and distinguished career in education; she began her career in 1936 at Greenwood School, where she served as a teacher, principal, and curriculum coordinator; after earning her teaching degree in 1945, she was asked to serve as Assistant County Superintendent; in 1950, she went back to the classroom, initiating kindergarten programs at both Greenwood and Westwood Schools; and

WHEREAS, Following the birth of her son James, Verda L. Dierzen returned to work in 1951 as a mathematics and home arts teacher at Westwood Junior High; she then served as the school's principal from 1952 until 1958; in 1958, following her tenure at Westwood Junior High, she went on to become the curriculum coordinator and then assistant superintendent of instruction and transportation for Woodstock Rural District 10; and

WHEREAS, In 1967, Verda L. Dierzen became the superintendent of District 10, where she worked for the successful consolidation of Elementary School Districts 10 and 72 and High School District 152; upon the completion of the merger in 1969, she became the assistant superintendent of the new Woodstock Community Unit School District 200; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen retired from School District 200 in 1972, marking the end of an illustrious 45 year career; after her retirement, she served as an educational consultant for SEDOM for nine years, as public relations director for the McHenry County Retired Teachers Association, and as memorial chairman for the McHenry County American Heart Association; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Verda L. Dierzen's contributions to the district, the Early Learning Center in District 200 in Woodstock was named after her; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen was a life member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association; she was a charter member of the Woodstock chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Society and continued as an active member of the group for over fifty years; she was also involved with both the Illinois and McHenry Country Retired Teachers Association; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen enjoyed reading, sewing, and crafts; she also enjoyed spending time with her faithful companion, Dusty; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; and

WHEREAS, Verda L. Dierzen is survived by her son, James (Stefany) Dierzen; her brother, Clayton (Doris) Anderson; her grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Midgette, Robert L. Dierzen, Bhianca Herrera, and Dieby Herrera; her nieces, Suanne (Dale) Habbley and Susan Anderson; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Michael (Jeannine) Anderson, Elizabeth (Scott) Voigt, Amy (Michael) Kueht, and Andrew Habbley; and her great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Savannah, and Samuel Midgette; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with her family and friends, the passing of Verda L. Dierzen; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Verda L. Dierzen as an expression of our sympathy.