Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 2
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Chapter Chaplain
Allen J. Rioux, 64, of Beach Park, Illinois, was bon July 5th 1942 Evanston IL. He had 7 Children and 13 grandchildren. Al died on September 23, 2006 in LaSalle County, Illinois. Allen lived in the Beach Park area for the past 19 years. He attended The Chapel in Mundelein, Illinois and he was employed at Temple Steel in Libertyville for the past 43 years.
He was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sept 23 in LaSalle County, IL, on an outing with the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) when it began to rain. The roads were wet and the black top was new and there was gravel in the roadway that couldn’t be seen until he went around a curve. Al and his wife were thrown from the bike as it started down the embankment. Friends that were there did the best to help but Al was hurt too bad. Al died of massive head and chest trauma.
Chapter Treasurer
Theron Otterbacher, 73, of Zion, IL died on March 23, 2012. He was born July 19, 1938 in Zion and was an active member of Christ Community Church of Zion where he served faithfully with the Zion Guards.
Theron received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University, his Teacher Certificate from University of Illinois, and his Masters of Education from Louis University. While in college at Michigan State he served with the National Forest Service. Later he taught Science at Zion Central Jr. High School for 33 years and was a part-time Auxiliary Zion Police Officer, and was founding member of Zion Park District Police where he also served for many years.
While at Michigan State University he served in the R.O.T.C. with the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and later served in the United States Army achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was also a Captain with the Civil Air Patrol, Lake County Squadron and was Treasurer of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 – IL. Theron joined Zion-Benton American Legion Post #865 of Zion in 1988. He served as Post Commander from 1993 until 1995 and was currently the Post Treasurer.
He was also a member of Zion Kiwanis Club, and was into historical re-enactment with both the Brigade of the American Revolution and Northwest Territory Alliance.
Chapter Quartermaster/Veteran Affairs
Walter D. Bushie, 75, Trevor, WI, passed away Dec. 23, 2013. He was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Chicago and moved to Berwyn, Ill., in 1946. Walt was educated at Komensky Grammar School and Morton High School, both in Berwyn. He went on to become a Journeyman tool and die maker.
On Sept. 17, 1983, he married the love of his life, Sharon Kostka in Berwyn. They moved to Trevor, WI, in October of 1996 after Walter retired from Robert Bosch Co in 1995 as Head of Maintenance.
Walter was a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Commander of Antioch American Legion Post 748, Commander of Silver Lake VFW Post 8375, Life Member of Viet Now, Quartermaster of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 of IL, and POW/MIA Chairman for numerous organizations throughout his life.
A Community’s Loss
We mournfully announce the passing of Michael J. Burghardt, 69, of Woodstock, IL who died unexpectedly in Puerto Vallarta, MX on April 9th, 2021 from injuries sustained in an ATV accident. His unexpected loss has left his family, his friends, and all who knew him shocked and deeply saddened.
Mike was born on March 7th, 1952 to Jeanette and William Sr. Burghardt in Chicago, IL. After graduating from Holy Cross High School in River Grove, IL, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at DeVry Institute of Technology.
After graduation, Mike pursued a career with Ameritech (now AT&T) in network engineering for 40 years. During his career, he became a member of the Industry Affairs Technology Committee in the Illinois Telecommunications Association. Mike’s dedication and commitment earned him many advancements culminating in his selection as an Area Manager. He loved his career as much as the people he worked with.
Following retirement, Mike became incredibly involved in many activities including travel, motorcycling, volunteer work, and active support of local veteran groups, law enforcement agencies, and firefighters along with his long – time partner, Donna Swieton.
Mike was a member of the McHenry County Harley Owners Group (HOG) for many years. He had an extraordinary passion for supporting veteran issues through his years of membership in Rolling Thunder, Chapter 2, Illinois. Wherever and whenever, a need arose to help a veteran, or a veteran’s family, Mike was always front and center to take on the task along with Donna.
His commitment to local law enforcement and firefighters was apparent at every memorial service or fund-raising event benefiting those front – line heroes. Mike was always there seeking ways to help and honor their cause.
Mike’s love for his family as a father, son, brother, cousin, and uncle was characterized by his kind, loving, caring, warm, brilliant, awesome, yet humble, personality which is cherished by his family. His daughter Kathryn Burghardt, sister Lora Rosenhauer, niece Melissa Rosenhauer, and cousin Walter Jr. Burghardt will miss him more than words can express.
The major function of Rolling Thunder is to publicize the POW/MIA issue: To educate the the public that many American Prisoners of Wars were left behind after previous wars, and to help correct and to protect future veterans from being left behind.
ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 2 IL
33 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, Illinois 60602
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