SR0538 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Wilfred F. Balmes of North Chicago, who passed away on March 13, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Wilfred Balmes served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Wilfred Balmes was a resident of North Chicago beginning in 1951, founding Balmes Flower Shops and Greenhouses, which continued through 5 generations of family operation; following his retirement, he retired to the hills of Arkansas, where he spent his time enjoying the wildlife and his many friends; he spent the last 3 years at Barton Senior Residences in Zion; and

WHEREAS, Wilfred Balmes was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Waukegan Lodge #731; and

WHEREAS, Wilfred Balmes was preceded in death by John, Francis, Fredrick, Richard and Agnes Walenter; and

WHEREAS, Wilfred Balmes was the beloved husband of the late Virginia (nee Wirtz); the loving father of Kathleen Scott, the late Michael (Pam), Jeanne Balmes, Julianne (Gary) Gehrig, Peter (Robin), and Wilfred, Jr. (Aleta); the grandfather of Elizabeth (Richard) Hubbard, Jacob (Michele) Balmes, Kathryn Balmes, Anne (Brad) Johnson, Peter (Katie) Gehrig, Drew (Lauren) Gehrig, Sara (Marc) Jackson, Keli (Christopher) Krygowski, and P. Joseph (Connie) Balmes; the great-grandfather of Gwen and Wyatt Balmes, Aidan, Sydney, Christian, and Logan Jackson, Olivia Gehrig, Caleb, Abram, and Noah Krygowski, and Peter Joseph Balmes, III; and the brother of James, Mark, Theresa Crowley, and Mary Ann (Bob) Grum; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Wilfred F. Balmes; and be it further

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