SR0040 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0040 LRB098 07583 MST 37654 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John M. Kmetz Sr., who passed away on January 8, 2013; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to Michael Kmetz and Susan Estwanik on February 2, 1924; he married June Hope (Cooper) Kmetz; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 1943, serving in the First Marine Division during the Pacific Theater of Operations; he saw action at North Solomons, Bougainville, and Peleliu, earning numerous commendations such as the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for outstanding heroism in his support service of Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart for wounds received at Peleliu; he spent time at Quantico as a drill instructor for the FBI and managing the Potomac River as a certified crash crewman; and

WHEREAS, Upon being discharged, John Kmetz Sr. began his career by working to bring the United Mine Workers Union to the Island Creek Coal Company; he then moved on to construction as senior electrical engineer for Link Belt Company and Roberts & Schaeffer Companies; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. brought his family to Hoffman Estates in 1959 and became instrumental in the incorporation of the Village and aiding the citizens in the infancy of the area; he and his family were charter members of Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg; he loved music, sang in the church, hosting Christian college sports teams and Christian college presidents, as well as many sailors from the Great Lakes Navel Base who were far from home; he coached Babe Ruth baseball in the early 1960s; his family has held membership at Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. continued to volunteer and was named Volunteer of the Year by the Village of Hoffman Estates celebrated by the Illinois Sheriff's Association; he served on the Veteran's Memorial Commission, specifically in the color guard for the November 2012 Veteran's Day memorial ceremony; he is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the First Marine Division Association; he served as officer in the VFW and the American Legion at all levels, with his favorite assignment as chaplain; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, June; his son, John M. Kmetz Jr.; his brother, Michael Kmetz; and his sisters, Barbara Kahler and Susan Infantolino; and

WHEREAS, John Kmetz Sr. is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Kmetz; his granddaughter June Hope Lanners; and his grandson Jackson Michael Lanners; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Kmetz Sr., and we 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 John Kmetz Sr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.