Bill Text: IL SR0040 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Mourns the death of John M. Kmetz Sr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-02-07 - Resolution Adopted [SR0040 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-SR0040-Introduced.html

---

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 &

SR0040 - 2 - LRB098 07583 MST 37654 r
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

SR0040 - 3 - LRB098 07583 MST 37654 r
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.