SR0398 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0398 LRB096 14548 GRL 29381 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ernest Opp of Bethalto, who passed away on September 4, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp was born on November 9, 1924 in Good Hope; he married Doris (Goddard) Opp on December 26, 1948 in Macomb; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp served his country with pride and distinction as a submariner during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp was raised in Bushnell; he attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Western Illinois University in 1949; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp had a long and distinguished career as a teacher in the Havana and Bethalto school districts and at Lewis and Clark and Belleville-area colleges; he also taught at the St. Louis Regional Airport, where he gave the freedom of flight to thousands in his area through his student plane rides, flight instructions, and aerobatic shows; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp gave the joy of music and history to thousands through his band and choral performances with the CM Band and Chorus and the Old Timers; he also shared his love of boating and sailing with hundreds from Alton to the Florida Keys and his love of motorcycles with friends from coast to coast; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp was a lifetime member of Rotary, the Masonic Lodge, VFW, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Illinois Pilots Association, Aerobatic Pilots, Western Illinois Alumni, the Young Eagles, and the St. Louis Aero Club; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Opp is survived by his children and their spouses, Sharon Opp, Austin and Marg Opp, LaVeta and Kevin Kirby, and Irene Opp; his grandchildren, Brandon and Lizz Tinker, Ashleigh and Tim Peterson, Anthony and Fawn Tinker, Kathleen, Jim and Jessica Kirby-Butts, Todd, Ty, and Corrie, Sam and Melanie, and Ross Laux, Chris and Wendy Webster, and Jared and Jen Watson; and his 7 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Ernest Opp; and be it further

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