SJR108: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-6047/1

JAG:emw

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 108

February 11, 2022 - Introduced by Senators Ballweg, Carpenter, Marklein and Testin, cosponsored by Representatives Petersen, Dittrich, Drake, Hintz, Krug, Macco, Murphy, Mursau, Sinicki, Thiesfeldt, Vos and Vruwink. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR108,1,1 Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Senator Joseph Leean.

SJR108,1,3 Whereas, Senator Joseph “Joe” Leean, a public servant and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 2, 2022; and

SJR108,1,6 Whereas, Senator Leean was born to Sidney and Marie Leean on March 10, 1942, and was raised in Iola, Wisconsin, graduating from Iola High School as salutatorian in 1960; and

SJR108,1,10 Whereas, Senator Leean earned his bachelor's degree from Augustana College in 1964 and went on to do graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin– Madison and Western Michigan University. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching high school math and physics in Waupaca; and

SJR108,1,14 Whereas, Senator Leean spent his summers working at Ding's Dock until he purchased the business in 1973; he later purchased and renovated the boat now known as Chief Waupaca, fulfilling his dream of bringing a unique tour boat to the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes; and

SJR108,2,4 Whereas, Senator Leean embarked upon many other business ventures, including expanding the Ponderosa into Fort Waupaca, creating a petting zoo themed park, and cofounding Shepherd of the Lakes Church with other business leaders in his community; and

SJR108,2,7 Whereas, for over 20 years, Senator Leean served as president of the Chain O' Lakes Sanitary District, which developed the sewer system that has kept the lakes he loved crystal clear; and

SJR108,2,10 Whereas, after a long career in business, in 1984, Senator Leean was elected to represent the people of the 14th Senate District, which he went on to serve for 10 years, until 1995; and

SJR108,2,13 Whereas, during his tenure in the legislature, Senator Leean served with expertise on various committees, including the Joint Committee on Finance, which he co-chaired for several years; and

SJR108,2,16 Whereas, Senator Leean left elected office to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services for six years, during which time he was instrumental in the creation of BadgerCare; and

SJR108,2,19 Whereas, Senator Leean subsequently served as a consultant to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in Washington, D.C.; and

SJR108,2,23 Whereas, after 20 years in public service, Senator Leean spent the next two decades traveling, spending time with his family, building things in his workshop, and taking evening dinner cruises with his wife and family on the Senate Chambers paddle wheel boat; and

SJR108,3,3 Whereas, Senator Leean is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia “ Ginny,” three daughters, and seven grandchildren; he will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and community member; now, therefore, be it

SJR108,3,6 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin State Legislature mourn the passing of Senator Joe Leean and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further

SJR108,3,8 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide copies of this joint resolution to Senator Leean's family; and, be it further

SJR108,3,10 Resolved, That flags across Wisconsin shall fly at half-staff on February 16, 2022, in honor of the celebration of his life.

SJR108,3,11 (End)