SR0281 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0281 LRB100 11662 MST 22540 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John R. Schweighart of Villa Grove, who passed away on February 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart was born to Charles and Ida (Mammoser) Schweighart on February 3, 1932 and raised on a farm west of Pesotum; he graduated from Tolono High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, and married Ruth E. Schumacher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pesotum on May 3, 1952; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart farmed his entire career; he and his wife resided on a farm west of Pesotum until 1958 when they moved to a farm southeast of Camargo and farmed there until their retirement in 1994 after bringing in 52 harvests; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart served Sacred Heart Church in many capacities, including as a Trustee; he was a member of the Villa Grove Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, and the Tri City Country Club; he was a member of the Villa Grove School Board for nine years, six as President; he was on the Villa Grove Farmer's Elevator Board for 12 years, nine as President; he served on the board of directors of the First National Bank, the Villa Grove State Bank, and the Villa Grove State Bank Holding Company, beginning in 1977, retiring in 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart played fast-pitch softball in his youth, competing at the State level and playing on teams in Champaign, Douglas, and Macon counties; he once struck out 22 batters in a 12-inning game; he also coached Little League Baseball and fast-pitch softball; he was an accomplished bridge player and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the game with others; a recent honor was being inducted as an honorary member of the Villa Grove Alumni Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Clara Schweighart; and his siblings, Mildred Kleiss, Bernard Schweighart, and Chuck Schweighart; and

WHEREAS, John Schweighart is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Roger (Karen) Schweighart, Peggy (Bill) Mayer, and Ken (Beneta) Schweighart; his grandchildren, John (Amber) Schweighart, Matthew (Jacque) Schweighart, Michelle Mayer, Greg (Jodi) Schweighart, Eric (Ashley) Schweighart, and Katie (Steve) Peternell; his great-grandchildren, Ella, Will, Caroline, Andrew, Josie, Luke, Henry, and Isabelle; his siblings, Bill (Phyllis) Schweighart, and Bernice Wilhelm; his sister-in-law, Shirley Schweighart; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John R. Schweighart, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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