HR0047 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0047 LRB094 06417 HSS 37515 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned with great sadness of the combat death in Iraq of Lance Corporal Neil D. Petsche, United States Marine Corps, of Lena, on December 21, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Neil D. Petsche was born on September 9, 1983, in Freeport to Dave J. Petsche and Carol (Winters) Petsche; he graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 2002; he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena; and

WHEREAS, He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, especially Troop 91 of Lena, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout on September 8, 2001; he was a former member of the Lena-Winslow High School Band, where he played percussion instruments; he was an avid paintball enthusiast and also enjoyed collecting movies, swimming, working 3-D puzzles, and listening to Metallica; and

WHEREAS, Prior to graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; following his graduation, he entered basic and advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton, California; he was stationed at 29 Palms, California; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Petsche was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, United States Marine Corps; he was serving a second voluntary tour in Iraq; he did not have to be in Iraq, but signed up to go back because he felt he and the USMC were truly making a difference; he was the fourth generation military serviceman in his family; and

WHEREAS, Neil is remembered by his family for his smile, his love of life, and his willingness to lay down his life for his country; he was a dependable, diligent, quietly determined person who believed his efforts in Iraq would make a difference for the better; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Lance Corporal Neil D. Petsche has been deeply felt by many, especially his mother, Carol; his father, David; his brother, Steven; his sisters, Jolene Petsche and Cheryl Petsche; his paternal grandparents, Marvin A. (Irma E.) Petsche; his maternal grandparents, Norvin (Irene) Winters; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lance Corporal Neil D. Petsche, USMC, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Lance Corporal Petsche and his willingness to serve his country, which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our sincere condolences for their loss.