SR0600 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0600 LRB095 20490 GRL 48377 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Tom "Tom Cat" Eickelman of Benton, who tragically passed away on March 10, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman was born on January 31, 1960 in Miner's Hospital in Christopher; he was the beloved son of Francis "Eick" and JoAnn (Burtoft) Eickelman; he married Kathy Kelley on July 29, 1983; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman worked as a heavy equipment operator for 20 years; he was employed with Midwest Excavating in Benton for the past 12 years; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman was a member of International Operating Engineers Local 318, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, and the Sesser-Goode Lodge 744; he was of the Methodist faith; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman was well known for his love of the outdoors and hunting; he served as president of the Franklin County Ducks Unlimited for five years and was an avid supporter and organizer of various wildlife events and local wildlife organizations; he also enjoyed his new Harley-Davidson motorcycle and, most of all, his family, friends, and only grandson, Landon McKee; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Pete and Fay Burtoft; his paternal grandparents, Grover and Beulah Eickelman; and his mother-in-law, Shirley Kelley; and

WHEREAS, Tom Eickelman is survived by his wife, Kathy Eickelman; his daughter and son-in-law, Mandy and Ryan McKee; his grandson, Landon McKee; his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Kindra Eickelman; his nephew, Josh Eickelman; his niece, Jordan Eickelman; and his father-in-law, Dean Kelley; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Tom "Tom Cat" Eickelman; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Tom "Tom Cat" Eickelman as an expression of our sympathy.