SR1040 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1040 LRB099 14525 GRL 38642 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Raymond "Sonny" George Lohse of Rock Island, who passed away on September 21, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse was born on July 20, 1923 in Davenport, Iowa; his parents were Hugo H. and Lena Avery Lohse; he married Grace B. DeSchepper on October 5, 1951; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse attended Immanuel Lutheran School, Rock Island High School, and Augustana College; in 1942, he volunteered to enter the armed forces, becoming a naval aviator and fighter pilot in the Pacific theatre; he was honored with a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Occupational Service Medal, and an Air Medal in recognition of his actions during World War II; and

WHEREAS, After World War II, Raymond Lohse became a professional test pilot for Vought Sikorsky in California before returning home to take over the family business; he then became CEO of Lohse Group and would lead the family-run automotive parts company for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse was involved on a number of boards and committees throughout his career; he served as Vice President of the Illinois Automotive Association, Chairman of Parts Plus International, a member of the Parts Plus Executive Committee, a member of the Distributor Council for General Motors, and a member of the boards of Wagner Electric, Raybestos Brakes, and Federal Mogul; he also served as head of the Rock Island Retail Bureau and was a 20-year member and commissioner of the Quad City International Airport Metropolitan Airport Authority; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse was a member of the Rotary, the American Legion, and Immanuel Lutheran Church; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time and playing cards with his friends; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his sister, Betty Lohse Benjamin; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Lohse is survived by his soul mate, Debra Friederichs; his son, Ray Lohse; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ronald Hicks; his granddaughters, Lindsay and Ashley Hicks; and Debra's daughter, Christina Dreiling; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Raymond "Sonny" George Lohse; and be it further

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