SR0941 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0941 LRB099 13724 GRL 37687 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Menke Henry Franzen of rural Rantoul, who passed away on August 2, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen was born on October 9, 1919 in Champaign County; his parents were Henry and Anna (nee Osterbur) Franzen; he married Margaret Kathryn Albers on March 17, 1940 in Champaign County; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen was employed as a deputy sheriff in Champaign County for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, where he was president of the Luther League and served as deacon for 4 years; he served on Flatville Parish Hall building committee; he also served as treasurer for 14 years and as president of the Lutheran Brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen served his community in many capacities; he helped organize the Rantoul Little League under Mayor Hap Parker, where he served as an officer for 4 years and president for 2 years; he played baseball for the Flatville Eastern Illinois League for 14 years; he was president of Gifford Elevator for 15 years; he was president of the Gifford Lions Club; he also served as drainage commissioner for 30 years, precinct committeeman for Compromise Township, treasurer for Champaign County Law Enforcement, a council member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, property chairman for 2 years, and a member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and a sister, Thea Suits; and

WHEREAS, Menke Franzen is survived by 4 children, Gary (Beverly) Franzen, Gayle (Peggy) Franzen, Kathleen (John) Swanson, and Todd (Pam) Franzen; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; 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 Menke Henry Franzen; and be it further

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