SR0888 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0888 LRB095 22818 GRL 53253 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert Michels of Aurora, who passed away on October 12, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels was born in Aurora on June 3, 1922; he lived most of his life on Pigeon Hill on the east side of Aurora; he married Patricia Raspiller of Aurora on June 24, 1944; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels was a graduate of Marmion Academy; after spending two years at Purdue University, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a flight instructor during World War II; his experience during the war began a life-long love of airplanes and aircraft; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Robert Michels joined his father, Ben, and his brother, Art, in the coal and oil business; in 1949, with his father's help, he opened the Michels Lumber Company, which he ran until 1994 with the help of his five sons, two of his daughters, and his faithful friend, Don Martin; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels was active in the Serra Club, the Lion's Club, and the Knights of Columbus, where he continued to participate in their projects into his eighties; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels was an avid golfer, bowler, and a self-described "lazy fisherman"; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels was preceded in death by his son, Dan; his parents, Ben and Marie (Ludwig) Michels; his son-in-law, Bob Taylor; his grandson, Ryan Michels; and his brother, Art; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Claire (Alan) Pepper, Linda Taylor, Dave (Linda), Steve (Cathy Olson), Nick (Jean), Faye (Mike) Edlund, Laurie (Dick) Cubbage, and Bill (Diana); his grandchildren, Michael Taylor, Janelle Taylor, Matt Warner, Adam Michels, Drew Michels, Jenny Huffstetler, Bryan Michels, Ben Michels, Kristin Propst, Bob Michels, Nicole Bryant, Megan Michels, David Bond, Kelly Bond, Jake Bond, Dylan Bond, Kevin Michels, Josh Michels, and Jessica Michels; his four great-grandchildren; his brothers, BJ (Lois) and Jim (Carole); his sister, Anna Marie (C.J.) Avram; and his sisters-in-law, Lillian Michels, Virginia Cyr, and Dolores Kartheiser; and

WHEREAS, Robert Michels will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a father whose faith in God, generosity, fairness, and love for his family was unmatched; 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 Robert Michels; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Robert Michels as an expression of our sympathy.