SR1942 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1942 LRB099 20982 GRL 49245 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Joseph "Johnny" Lattner of Melrose Park, who passed away on February 13, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner attended Fenwick High School from 1947 to 1950, where he excelled in both basketball and football; in 1949, he led the basketball team to a 22 and 7 record and the Chicago Catholic League Championship, the first of back-to-back championships; he was affectionately known as "Mr. Fenwick"; Fenwick High School retired his jersey number in 2007, the first Fenwick athlete to receive such an honor; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner was a frequent and enthusiastic visitor to basketball and football games at Fenwick High School and in the community, particularly those games when his grandchildren were playing; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time All-American and won the Maxwell Award as the best player in college football in 1952 and 1953; he won the 1953 Heisman Trophy and would often loan his trophy out to charities and fundraising organizations as a way to help them raise money; he was inducted into the Fenwick Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner was drafted into the National Football League in the first round in 1954; he played briefly for the Pittsburgh Steelers, making the Pro Bowl as a rookie; he then joined the United States Air Force to fulfill a two-year ROTC commitment; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner coached football at the University of Denver until 1961; he operated Johnny Lattner's Steakhouse in the Loop; he worked in the printing business as Vice-President of Sales at Pal Graphics in Broadview when he retired from the restaurant business; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner was preceded in death by his siblings, William Lattner and Patricia Brennan; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children, Jack (Ann) Lattner, Bill (Sheri) Lattner, Tim (Virginia) Lattner, Michael (Jen) Lattner, Kate (Pete) Gancer, Maggie (Larry) Skiver, Tricia (Bill) Smith, and Gretchen (Mike) Spillane; and his 26 grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Joseph "Johnny" Lattner, 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 Johnny Lattner as an expression of our deepest sympathy.