SR0598 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0598 LRB098 14056 MST 48617 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of J. Harold Diel of Staunton, who passed away on September 3, 2013; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was born on July 30, 1913 in Noble to Lucy (nee Ratcliffe) and Ira Diel; he graduated from Noble High School and attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in mathematics; he later received his Master's Degree in administration from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign; he married Anna Kathryn Parks on July 15, 1938; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel began his career in education by teaching mathematics and science at Allendale High School for 5 years; he served as Superintendent in the communities of Dundas, Claremont, Stewardson, and Stewardson-Strasburg for 17 years, where he also taught and coached; in 1952, he became the Superintendent of Staunton Unit Schools, where he remained until his retirement in 1976; during his tenure as Superintendent of Staunton Community Schools, the elementary school was built, the central library was established, and several additions to the elementary and high school were made; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was an advocate for providing a well-rounded education for the students in his care; he helped establish a district-wide art program and he always remained very supportive of the music program; during his administration, the band traveled to many locations, including the New York World's Fair and the Bahamas; and

WHEREAS, Following the passing of his first wife, J. Harold Diel married Elizabeth Catherine (nee Allen) Upp on May 5, 1996; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was a member of the United Methodist Church in Staunton; he led the remodeling project for the church sanctuary and the church basement as the chief architect and carpenter; he served as the church treasurer and on the church board for many years; he was a member of the local Rotary Club, the Staunton Country Club, and was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Kathryn; his grandson, Brad Franz; and his sister, Marie Schnepper; and

WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Ada Jean (Ken) Franz, Gene (Linda Brown) Diel, and Ruth Ann (Ray) Henke; his 9 grandchildren; and his 19 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of J. Harold Diel, 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 J. Harold Diel as an expression of our deepest sympathy.