SR0802 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0802 LRB095 21923 KXB 52190 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ralph David Lauridsen of Waukegan, who passed away on May 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Ralph David Lauridsen was born in Dolton on March 6, 1922, to Andrew and Emelia Lauridsen; he was educated at Berger School and Thornton Township High School before joining his father and brother in the home construction business; and

WHEREAS, Ralph joined the Sea Bees during World War II and served three years in the 60th Sea Bee Construction Battalion; his battalion serviced in the South Pacific, building airstrips and bases in the dense rain forests of New Guinea; the entire battalion received letters of commendation for clearing jungle and building an airstrip in a record 13 days under torrential rain; in the years following his service, Ralph continued to see his Navy buddies at annual Sea Bee reunions, and his close friendship with Lou Knau lasted his entire life; and

WHEREAS, After the war, Ralph returned to Dolton and married Yvette Hill; A. Lauridsen and Sons Construction Company flourished with the past-war demand for housing; over the years, many beautiful homes and several apartment buildings, and office buildings in the south suburban area were built by the Lauridsen company, which eventually came under Ralph's sole proprietorship; Ralph had a spotless reputation for honesty and hard work, and his customers knew that his handshake was the best possible guarantee of a straight deal; and

WHEREAS, Ralph and Yvette raised their three girls in a home Ralph built in Dolton, next door to the house in which he grew up, built by his father; after an early retirement, Ralph and Yvette traveled the world, making many trips to Europe and several others to Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia; they crossed the United States by car countless times, visiting friends and relatives from coast to coast; he made wine, experimenting with many different fruits and flowers; he gardened and tended fruit trees; he was an active supporter of his church, York House United Methodist, and belonged to the local Danish club and Global Gourmet; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Lauridsen had a real zest for life, and an optimism that sustained him through his last days; on Christmas Day in 2007, he and his wife celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary; in addition to Yvette, Ralph is survived by his three daughters and their husbands; six granddaughters; one grandson; and two great-granddaughters; 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 Ralph Lauridsen; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ralph Lauridsen as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.