SR0041 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0041 LRB103 29724 MST 56129 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth Marvin Kesler of Dewey, who passed away on January 18, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler was born in rural Dewey to Roy and Helen (Deffenbaugh) Kesler on January 13, 1925; he began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Champaign High School in 1942, and attended the University of Illinois; as a young man, he served as a justice of the peace; he married Lora Mae Griffith at First Methodist Church of Champaign on September 21, 1947; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler retired from farming at the age of 89; he was passionate about soil and water conservation for 60 years and served in various local and state positions; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler received many awards and recognitions in his lifetime, including for being an outstanding young farmer and having the young farm family of the year; he was also recognized as the News-Gazette Farm Leader and received the Prairie Farmer Master Farmer Award, along with many soil and water conservation awards; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler enjoyed building things in his shop and was particularly proud of a small tractor he built; he was a 4-H leader for 20 years, a charter member of Boots and Bows square-dance club, and active in First United Methodist Church; he loved sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and the Fighting Illini; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth Kesler is survived by his wife, Lora; his daughters, Chris (Jerry) Wallace and Linda (Mark) Allen; his son, Rick (Carol) Kesler; his grandchildren, Wendy (Eric) Hadden, Becky (Eric) Landers, Tiffany (Jeff) Rydz, Tyler Wallace, Lucas (Katie) Allen, Laura (Elliot) Hernan, Matthew (Lisa) Allen, Chad Kesler, Alex (Shauna) Upperman, and Griffy (Tess) Kesler; 19 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Frances Tobin; 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 Kenneth Marvin Kesler 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 Kenneth Kesler as an expression of our deepest sympathy.