HR0244 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0244 LRB103 32090 LAW 61078 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Erich Himmel, who passed away in August of 2022; and

WHEREAS, Erich Himmel was born outside of Munich, Germany in the City of Moosburg on January 3, 1936; he was joined by his wife of 65 years, Ingeborg "Inge", when he emigrated to New Hampshire in 1958; they later moved to Chicago for his work as a mechanic for Volkswagen (VW); and

WHEREAS, Erich Himmel was drafted into the U.S. Army while a German citizen and served with honor in Germany during the building of the Berlin Wall; following his military career, he returned to Chicago as a general manager for VW, eventually opening several Volkswagen dealerships; he and his daughter, Carol, built a successful autobody shop, which is still in the family today and presently operated by his grandson, Erich; and

WHEREAS, Erich Himmel became president of the Rheinischer Verein Mardi Gras Society in 1984, and he served in that position for more than 25 years; after being mentored by Karl Laschet, he became president of the United German American Societies; he was knighted for his service and later held the position of grand chancellor for the United States of The Het Golden Vleis; and

WHEREAS, For his contributions to the preservation of German culture in foreign lands, Erich Himmel received the highest civilian medal of honor from the President of Germany in 1984, the Bundesverdienstkreutz First Class medal of honor; in 2020, he realized his dream of creating a German Haus for all the clubs in an umbrella organization to call home and celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the United German American Societies with family and friends; he served as the grand marshal of the Von Steuben parade in Chicago for decades, bringing together diplomats, public officials, members of the German American Societies, and many others for this wonderful neighborhood celebration; and

WHEREAS, Erich Himmel was a friend and mentor to many, from public officials to newcomers to the United States from Germany and other countries to his employees to community members; he embraced every opportunity to educate people about German culture and traditions; he passed these values to his two daughters who, as German Americans, have carried on his legacy of welcoming people of all backgrounds to celebrate and enjoy German culture; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Erich Himmel was survived by his wife, Inge; his daughters, Diana and Carol; his son-in-law, Jerry; his grandchildren, Erich "Bubba" (Esther), Michelle (JJ), and Ashley; and his great-grandchildren, Parker and Hudson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Erich Himmel 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 Erich Himmel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.