SR0431 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0431 LRB103 33756 LAW 63570 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John D. Risse Sr. of Springfield, who passed away on July 25, 2023; and

WHEREAS, John Risse was born to Anthony and Caroline Ellen Harrison Risse in Springfield on April 27, 1935; he graduated from Cathedral Boys High School; he married Bertha E. Gaffigan at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Springfield on August 29, 1956; and

WHEREAS, John Risse retired from the State of Illinois Capital Development Board after 38 years of service; he then worked part-time for Butler Funeral Home and also worked security during the State Fair; and

WHEREAS, John Risse joined the Knights of Columbus Council #364 in 1953 and the 4th Degree Bishop Griffin Assembly in 1967; he served the order and his council in various elected offices, including as deputy grand knight; he was appointed as district deputy for six years, served as MR chairman since 1970, and belonged to the council's marching and concert band from 1953 to 1965; he also served on the Bishop McNicholas Degree Staff and had served as charitable coordinator on the State Council of the Springfield Diocese, state deputy special assistant, and pro-life co-chairman for the State Council; he held various 4th Degree offices, including faithful navigator from 1974 to 1976 and faithful comptroller beginning in 1984; he served as district secretary to the Master Southern District from 1988 to 1992; he was elected as trustee to the Board of the Springfield Diocesan Chapter for two years and served as a delegate to the 1993 Supreme Convention, representing the Springfield Diocesan Chapter; and

WHEREAS, John Risse was a lifelong member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church; he was a member or an officer of the Inter-Civic Club, the Golden Laurel Awards Banquet, and Special Olympics Area #17 Board; he served as an umpire at baseball and softball games for many years, and he refereed basketball games; and

WHEREAS, John Risse was honored by the Knights of Columbus Council #364 when his family was named Family of the Year in 1991; that same year, he was inducted into the Springfield Diocesan Chapter Hall of Fame; he received the Illinois State Medallion in 1994; and

WHEREAS, John Risse was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Risse; and

WHEREAS, John Risse is survived by his wife, Bertha E. Risse; his sons, John D. (Molly) Risse Jr., Thomas A. Risse, and Michael A. (Evelyn) Risse; his daughters, Katherine M. Risse and Christine A. Risse; his grandchildren, Joshua, Elizabeth, Larissa, Monica, and Jacki; and his great-grandchildren, Joel, Jude, Jayden, Bella, Owen, and Scarlett; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John D. Risse Sr. 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 John Risse as an expression of our deepest sympathy.