HR1052 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1052 LRB097 21470 KXB 69536 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives is saddened to learn of the death of retired State Representative Donald Hensel, who passed away on February 26, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Representative Hensel leaves behind a succession of public offices that served the West Chicago and Winfield communities, as well as a career as a businessman and public servant; and

WHEREAS, Representative Hensel proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, and the USAAF's successor, the United States Air Force, during the Korean conflict; and

WHEREAS, During Representative Hensel's 31-year career at Kawneer (Alumax) Aluminum he rose to become Manager of Purchasing and Inventory Control; and

WHEREAS, He was a Winfield Township trustee from 1973 to 1977 and clerk from 1977 to 1985; and

WHEREAS, He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives to represent the 50th District from 1983 to 1993; and

WHEREAS, One of his most notable accomplishments as State Representative was working with West Chicago Mayor Rennels to secure funds for the cleanup of radioactive Thorium at an impacted site in West Chicago; and

WHEREAS, From 1995 to the present he was a member of the West Chicago Lions Club, serving in most of the offices, including Vice President and President; the Lions Club voted him as "Citizen of the Year" in 1998; and

WHEREAS, As a veteran of the United States armed forces, he was a past commander of the American Legion, and spent numerous hours on projects for the West Chicago American Legion, including treasure hunts and fish fries; and

WHEREAS, He worked as a trustee for the West Chicago Fire Protection District from 2001 to the present; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Representative Hensel and his wife, Mary Ann, celebrated 60 years of marriage; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his son, David Hensel; his parents, Art and Edna Hensel; and his brother, Willard Hensel; and

WHEREAS, Former State Representative Donald Hensel is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his sons, Steven (Cathi), Jim (Barb), and Rick; his daughter, Dona (Phil) Smith; his daughter-in-law, Linda; his grandchildren, Michael Hensel, Katie Hensel, Bree (Chris) Jorgensen, Brandi Kubajak, Sarah Hensel, Dawn Chorobik, Kristen Paris, Eric Chorobik, Britt Hensel, and Matt Hensel; his brothers, Wayne (Cheryl) Hensel and Bob (Jeanne) Hensel; his sister, Marion (Wayne) Talley; as well as many great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, great-step grandchildren, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Representative Donald Hensel and remember this honest and conscientious man and Illinois citizen, who faithfully served his community and the state of Illinois for many years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mary Ann Hensel, on behalf of the Hensel family, as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.