SR0046 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0046 LRB104 10256 LAW 20330 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Sara Marie Bernhard, who passed away on January 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard, the daughter of Richard and Karen (Braun) Henkelman, was born in Effingham on January 6, 1981; she married Zach Bernhard at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on July 17, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard was a teacher and coach who loved children and worked to inspire each and everyone of them to reach their fullest potential; her impact extended far beyond the classroom or the court, as she made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard's family was the center of her world, and her love for them was immeasurable; she could often be found attending her sons' motocross events on weekends, riding horses with her daughter, or spending time at the volleyball gym, where she coached and cheered for her daughter; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard found joy and solace in the simple things, including walking along the ocean edge, feeling the breeze, and listening to the waves crash, or tending to her flowers; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, coach, and friend who brought warmth, light, and positivity wherever she went; she leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, undeniable faith, and unshakable strength; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard was preceded in death by her grandparents, "Bud" and Millie Braun and Willard and Helen Henkelman, and her aunt, Mary Hopkins; and

WHEREAS, Sara Bernhard is survived by her husband, Zach Bernhard; her children, Ethan Richard, Emma Marie, Jaxon Paul, and Brock Zachary; her parents; her siblings, Michelle Boatman, Amy (Matt) Dammerman, and Kristie (Mike) Bailey; her parents-in-law, Paul and Patti Bernhard; her siblings-in-law, Ashley (Adam) Bradshaw and Kanan Bernhard; and her nieces and nephews, Jacklynn, Jacy, Kassy, Taylor, Louis, Millie, and Ellie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sara Marie Bernhard and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

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