SR0529 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0529 LRB099 12281 MST 35279 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Delmar Francis Wilken of Champaign, who passed away on May 4, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Delmar Wilken was born in rural Danforth on December 24, 1921 to Sebo and Tracy Classen Wilken; he attended Danforth Elementary School, the three-year high school in Danforth, and the senior high school in Gilman; he attended the University of Illinois' College of Agriculture, receiving his bachelor's degree with high honors in 1947 and a master's degree in 1952; he married Phyllis Anderson on August 17, 1947 in Cullom in a double-ring ceremony; he was in ROTC at the University of Illinois and enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942; he served in World War II as an infantry officer from 1943 to 1946, including occupation duty for one year in Japan with the 25th Infantry Division; he was recalled to active duty in 1951 for the Korean War and served with the 2nd Infantry Division in 1951 and 1952, receiving a Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, Delmar Wilken's professional career started in 1948 as fieldsman in the Pioneer Farm Business Farm Management Association in Bloomington, serving farmers in Tazewell, Woodford, and McLean counties; he was employed in 1954 by the University of Illinois and became a Professor of Agriculture Economics Farm Management Extension and Research Specialist; he also served as the Executive Secretary of the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association and as a State leader of the field staff for 31 years until his retirement in 1985; he authored and co-authored many Extension and research publications involving studies with Illinois Farm Business Records and organized many farm management tours of successful farms in Illinois during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Delmar Wilken was awarded the United States Department of Agriculture's highest award, The Distinguished Service Award by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block for outstanding leadership, professionalism, and innovation in developing and implementing effective farm business analysis and record keeping systems in the State and the nation; in 1984, he was a recipient of the Paul A. Funk Recognition Award, an award made annually to members of the University of Illinois College of Agriculture staff for meritorious service and outstanding contributions to Illinois and society in his particular field of study and service; he was a member of the University of Illinois President's Council and was an honorary member of the Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, receiving their award in 1986 for Outstanding Service to Illinois Agriculture; he was a County Farm Bureau member and a charter member of the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialist; he contributed to the Prairie Farmer magazine profit planner monthly column for 20 years; he was a member of the Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Phi, the national honorary extension fraternity; and

WHEREAS, Delmar Wilken was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Champaign for the past 60 years, having served on numerous committees, and 7 years as church council treasurer; he was a member of the Champaign-Urbana Noonday Kiwanis Club since 1985; he served as a technical leader for Agriculture Leader Groups from the State of Illinois for International Goodwill People to People Travel Missions from 1973 to 1984; he and his wife led 9 missions, visiting occupational counterparts in 30 different countries, including 3 missions to the former Soviet Union and 2 to China; they also traveled extensively on their own to more than 20 other foreign countries, primarily on vacations; and

WHEREAS, Delmar Wilken was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; one brother; and one sister; and

WHEREAS, Delmar Wilken is survived by his 2 daughters, Lyndell Wilken and Mylla (John) Hunter; his son, Royce (Lois) Wilken; his brother, Donald Wilken; his sister, Marilyn Boedel; and his 2 grandsons, Tyler Wilken and Zachary Wilken; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Delmar Francis Wilken, 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 Delmar Wilken as an expression of our deepest sympathy.