IL SR1305

Illinois Senate mourns the death of Robert W. Depke, who passed away on June 20, 2014, at age 84.

Depke served as Warren Township Supervisor starting in 1961 and as Lake County Board Chairman beginning in 1968, leading efforts to keep Great Lakes Naval Base open in Lake County.

In 1975, Depke helped purchase a farm in Gurnee and developed the Warren Township Center and Highway Department, now named after him; the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Justice Center in Vernon Hills also bears his name.

Depke was a 58-year founding member of the Gurnee Lions Club, charter member of the Gagewood Lions Club, member of the Exchange Club of Gurnee, and member of Gurnee Community Church.

Depke is survived by his wife of 45 years, George Anne, six children, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.