SR0369 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0369 LRB104 14340 LAW 27473 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Robert L. "Bob" Harder of Altamont, who passed away on June 8, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder, the son of Casey and Madonna (Brandt) Harder, was born in Shumway on August 30, 1937; he graduated from Altamont Community High School in 1955 and Eastern Illinois University in 1959, where he was a member of the university's track team; he married Shirley Galloway at Altamont First United Methodist Church on August 18, 1957, and they had three children; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder was a retired junior high school teacher who previously taught at schools in Toledo and Altamont; he also served as a clerk for the Francis Auction Company, assisted at Gieseking Funeral Home, and owned The Mowing Company; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder was a member of Altamont First United Methodist Church and a former member of the Altamont Volunteer Fire Department and the Effingham County Fair Board; for his commitment to serving his community, he was named Altamont's Citizen of the Year in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder enjoyed participating in family activities, camping, traveling, coaching and starting track meets for Altamont Community High School, and keeping the clock for basketball games at Altamont Grade School; he also enjoyed daily visits with some of his great-granddogs, Molly, Aunt Beatrice, Bear, Bandit, Huxley, and Nellie; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder, affectionately known as "Pop", will be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated man who cared deeply for his family and community; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Harder; his sisters-in-law, Jacquelynn Harder and Cecilia "Sis" Harder; his brothers-in-law, Donald Eugene (in infancy) and Monte H. Galloway; and his parents-in-law, Wiley H. and Marion (Brooks) Galloway; and

WHEREAS, Bob Harder is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley; his children, Rob Harder, Sara Harder, and Kara (Jeff) Miller; two grandchildren; one great-grandson; his siblings, Carol (Gene) Dammerman and David Harder; his sister-in-law, Susanne Galloway; several nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Danielle (Adam) Mayhaus and Cal and Wyatt (Elise) Vaughn; 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 Robert L. "Bob" Harder 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 Bob Harder as an expression of our deepest sympathy.