Bill Text: IL SR0598 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of J. Harold Diel of Staunton.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-10-23 - Resolution Adopted [SR0598 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-SR0598-Introduced.html

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SR0598 LRB098 14056 MST 48617 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
learn of the death of J. Harold Diel of Staunton, who passed
away on September 3, 2013; and
WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was born on July 30, 1913 in Noble
to Lucy (nee Ratcliffe) and Ira Diel; he graduated from Noble
High School and attended Eastern Illinois University in
Charleston, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in
mathematics; he later received his Master's Degree in
administration from the University of Illinois in
Urbana-Champaign; he married Anna Kathryn Parks on July 15,
1938; and
WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel began his career in education by
teaching mathematics and science at Allendale High School for 5
years; he served as Superintendent in the communities of
Dundas, Claremont, Stewardson, and Stewardson-Strasburg for 17
years, where he also taught and coached; in 1952, he became the
Superintendent of Staunton Unit Schools, where he remained
until his retirement in 1976; during his tenure as
Superintendent of Staunton Community Schools, the elementary
school was built, the central library was established, and
several additions to the elementary and high school were made;
and

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WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was an advocate for providing a
well-rounded education for the students in his care; he helped
establish a district-wide art program and he always remained
very supportive of the music program; during his
administration, the band traveled to many locations, including
the New York World's Fair and the Bahamas; and
WHEREAS, Following the passing of his first wife, J. Harold
Diel married Elizabeth Catherine (nee Allen) Upp on May 5,
1996; and
WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was a member of the United
Methodist Church in Staunton; he led the remodeling project for
the church sanctuary and the church basement as the chief
architect and carpenter; he served as the church treasurer and
on the church board for many years; he was a member of the
local Rotary Club, the Staunton Country Club, and was a
die-hard Chicago Cubs fan; and
WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel was preceded in death by his first
wife, Anna Kathryn; his grandson, Brad Franz; and his sister,
Marie Schnepper; and
WHEREAS, J. Harold Diel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth;
his children, Ada Jean (Ken) Franz, Gene (Linda Brown) Diel,

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and Ruth Ann (Ray) Henke; his 9 grandchildren; and his 19
great-grandchildren; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
J. Harold Diel, 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 J. Harold Diel as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.