SR0943LRB097 22949 MST 71754 r


  
1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply 
3saddened to learn of the death of Thomas Vonachen of Delavan, 
4who passed away on September 11, 2012; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen was born on July 29, 1935, in 
6Peoria to Harold and Bernice Verner Vonachen; he graduated from 
7Spalding High School and attended Loras and St. Ambrose 
8Universities in Iowa; he married Janice Pence on June 2, 1976, 
9in Peoria; and
  
 
10    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen operated the Vonachen's Junction 
11Restaurant in Peoria for many years with his brother; he owned 
12several restaurants in the Peoria area; he attended the 
13University of Illinois Police Academy and was appointed a 
14patrolman with the Delavan Police Department in 1976; in 1978, 
15he was was promoted to chief of police and served in that 
16position until his retirement in 2003; and
  
 
17    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen has received numerous local and 
18State awards, including the Illinois Law Enforcement Officer of 
19the Year and the American Legion Meritorious Service Award; he 
20was also recognized by President George W. Bush and members of 
21the Illinois 93rd General Assembly for his life-long dedication 
22and commitment to the citizens of Delavan; and
  
 
 
 
SR0943- 2 -LRB097 22949 MST 71754 r

1    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen was preceded in death by his 
2daughter, Jody Brown; his sisters, Mary Ann, Marta, and Bobbie; 
3and his brother, Jack; and
  
 
4    WHEREAS, Thomas Vonachen is survived by his wife, Janice; 
5his son, Steven Scott Vonachen; his daughters, Jill A. Hayes 
6and Kellie Peterson; his 6 grandchildren; his great 
7granddaughter; his brother, Harold "Pete" Vonachen; and his 
8sister, Susie Dawson; therefore, be it
  
 
9    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL 
10ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
11Thomas Vonachen, and we extend our sincere condolences to his 
12family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
13further
  
 
14    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
15presented to the family of Thomas Vonachen as an expression of 
16our deepest sympathy.