IL SR0863

Senate honors the memory of Gerhart Kopf of Fulton, who died on August 10, 2012, at age 92.

Kopf was born December 29, 1919, in Eddyville, Nebraska, married Alice L. Schmidt on July 7, 1941, and celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2011.

Served in the U.S. Army during World War II, worked for Steckley Hybrid Corn Company and Drives Inc., and established the Bald Eagle Nursery in 1981, becoming an expert on ornamental grasses, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and hicans.

Active community member in Fulton who served on the School Board, was named Grand Marshal of Dutch Days in 2001, received a key to the city, and was an accomplished pianist and advocate for bluebirds and local natural history.

Senate extends condolences to his surviving wife Alice, five children, grandchildren, great-grandson, sister Dolores, and numerous nieces and nephews.