HR0469 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0469 LRB097 12449 GRL 56931 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Max W. Shurtz, who passed away on June 22, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz was born on September 6, 1918; he was raised in rural northwest Waltonville on a farm, where he lived and worked in his early life; he married Ruth (Martin) Shurtz on December 23, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz graduated from Waltonville High School in 1936; he was a former alumnus of the year oat Waltonville High School; he subsequently earned a master's degree from Southern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz began his teaching career at Four Corners Grade School in 1940; he later served as teacher, principal, and coach in the Waltonville School District; in 1962, he purchased the Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Mt. Vernon, which he operated for 32 years until he sold the franchise in 1994; he continued to operate Mt. Vernon S & W Motors with his son, Jim, and sold used cars until his passing; he was also previously employed by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz joined the United States Army in 1941 to proudly serve his country during World War II; he served in the 3rd Armored Division through five campaigns in Europe, from Omaha Beach on D-Day to the Elbe River, and earned the rank of First Sergeant; he received numerous citation medals and awards for his service, including five Campaign Stars, the Bronze Star, the Croix De Guerre, Meritorious Service medal for Combat Operations Against the Enemies in France, Belgium, and Germany; the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, the American Defense Medal, and four Overseas Service Bars; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz was appointed to serve as State Representative of the 54th District from 1973 to 1974; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz served and committed his time to many organizations, including the Mt. Vernon State Fair Board, the Selective Service Board, the Jefferson County Board, Blissville Township, the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, AMVETS, the VFW, the Elks Club, the Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Jefferson County Masonic Lodge 368 Opdyke, and the Jefferson County Shrine Club; he also served as a Precinct Committeeman for 36 years and a Republican Central Committeeman for 27 years; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz attended the United Methodist Church of Waltonville and the Baptist Temple in Mt. Vernon; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Georgia (Fairchild) Shurtz; his brother, Roger Shurtz; and his sisters, Dorothy Ferris and Carlyn Hirons; and

WHEREAS, Max Shurtz is survived by his wife; his children, Judy Waligorski and her husband, Wayne, and Jim Shurtz and his friend, Paralee Scrivner; his granddaughters, Sara Fiedler and her husband, Chad, and Laura Waligorski; his great-grandson, Zac Fiedler; his brothers, A.J. Shurtz and his wife, Mary, and Rod Shurtz and his wife, Marjorie; his sister, Barb Shurtz; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Max W. Shurtz; and be it further

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