Bill Text: IL HR0524 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Kenneth L. Pickerill of Oswego.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-10-28 - Resolution Adopted [HR0524 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-HR0524-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of
Kenneth L. Pickerill, who passed away on September 12, 2019;
and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was born near Summit, Kentucky
to William and Luna (Pence) Pickerill on December 14, 1927; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill, known for his tremendous
athletic ability and storied contributions to high school
football, both as a player and coach, began his career at
Streator High School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Always true to his passion for helping others,
Kenneth Pickerill enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating
from high school in 1945 and served aboard the U.S.S. Gosselin;
he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in
1948; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning from his tour of duty, Kenneth
Pickerill enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU),
where he resumed his football career and became NIU's starting
quarterback; during his time at NIU, he met Jaqueline "Jackie"
Brooks, who would eventually become his wife for 48 years until

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her death in 2001; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from NIU, Kenneth Pickerill
began his teaching and coaching career at Oswego High School,
while continuing his education and earning a master's degree in
1959; in 1971, he and Jackie opened The Jaqueline Shop in
downtown Oswego, which became a thriving business that served
Oswego residents for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Known as the "Ultimate Panther", Kenneth
Pickerill was a stalwart of Oswego High School sports; although
he may be best and most widely known for his success on the
football field, he was successful in coaching multiple sports,
ultimately becoming athletic director for the school and head
football, wrestling, and baseball coach; he earned five
football championships in his 15 years of coaching Panthers
football, coached eight all-state wrestlers, and won three
state wrestling championships; he also coached Panther
baseball for nine years and led them to one district and one
regional championship; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's strong record of leadership,
mentorship, and demonstrable success coaching Oswego High
School athletes earned him inductions into the Illinois High
School Wrestling, Baseball, and Football halls of fame;
additionally, he earned an Illinois Merit Award from the

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Illinois State Board of Education in 1998; and
WHEREAS, While Kenneth Pickerill will undoubtedly be
remembered for his accomplishments on the field, those who knew
him understand that he was proudest of his accomplishments off
the field; he was a loving husband, kind uncle, and friend to
all; and
WHEREAS, With words of encouragement or a donation of his
own time or resources, Kenneth Pickerill was always willing to
give for the betterment of others, be it a friend or stranger;
and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill will forever be known as a man
who always gave to his community without the need for
recognition, reward, or acknowledgement; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill's legacy is one that will be
remembered by the Oswego community and discussed for
generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill was preceded in death by his
beloved wife, Jacqueline; his parents; his sisters, Eula Adams
and Rosave Handy; and his brother, Charles Pickerill; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Pickerill is survived by his sister,

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Martha Vanko; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and
grandnephews; and the countless young men and women who had the
great pleasure of learning, growing, and succeeding under his
direction, both as a teacher and coach; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of Kenneth L. Pickerill and 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 Kenneth Pickerill as an expression
of our deepest sympathy.