SJR117: Joint Resolution Text

2025 - 2026 LEGISLATURE

LRB-5539/1

JKS:klm

2025 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 117

January 2, 2026 - Introduced by Senators Nass, Carpenter, Hesselbein, Jacque, Ratcliff and Spreitzer, cosponsored by Representatives Fitzgerald, Kaufert, Johnson, Murphy, Ortiz-Velez, Penterman, Roe, Sinicki, Stubbs, Subeck and Tenorio. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR117,1,2 Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Rudolph L. “Rudy” Silbaugh.

SJR117,1,5 Whereas, Representative Rudolph L. “Rudy” Silbaugh, a devoted public servant and respected small business owner, passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 94; and

SJR117,1,7 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh was born on September 10, 1930, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Clarabelle Silbaugh; and

SJR117,1,10 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh graduated from Stoughton High School in 1948 and began his career as a flooring mechanic, later establishing U&S Floor Coverings in 1965, which he operated with dedication and pride; and

SJR117,1,13 Whereas Rudy Silbaugh began his public service in 1978, when he was elected alderman by a mere nine votes, and served on the Stoughton Common Council until 1991; and

SJR117,2,2 Whereas, during his tenure on the council, he served as Council President and held appointments on the Personnel Commission, Goals & Policy Committee, Ordinance Committee, Public Works Board, and Library Board; and

SJR117,2,6 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Republican in 1990 and represented the 46th Assembly District for three terms, from 1991 to 1997, serving with distinction in a district that traditionally leaned Democratic; and

SJR117,2,11 Whereas, during his legislative service, Representative Silbaugh chaired the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and served on the Assembly Committees on Financial Institutions, Highways, Housing, Judiciary, Small Business and Education, and Training for Employment, as well as State Affairs; and

SJR117,2,15 Whereas, Representative Silbaugh also served on the Council on Highway Safety, the Bicycle Coordinating Council, and the Legislative Council Study Committees on Remediation of Environmental Contamination and on Foster Care and Other Out-of-Home Placements; and

SJR117,2,18 Whereas, Representative Silbaugh’s legislative achievements included the enactment of a law creating enhanced penalties for committing fraudulent or unfair trade practices against elderly and disabled persons; and

SJR117,2,20 Whereas, Representative Silbaugh made further gains for seniors with the enactment of a law to restore coverage of dentures under Medical Assistance; and

SJR117,2,23 Whereas, Representative Silbaugh recognized that “compromise is the name of the game,” working alongside colleagues from across the aisle to pass legislation with bipartisan support; and

SJR117,3,4 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh was deeply committed to his community beyond public office, volunteering his time and leadership with organizations including Gideons International, the Thompson Correctional Center Community Relations Committee, the UW–Madison Department of Ophthalmology advisory board, the Stoughton Lions Club, AARP, and the Republican Party of Dane County; and

SJR117,3,7 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh was a man of strong Christian faith, offering his gifts and service to his church from an early age and later serving in leadership roles on several church boards; and

SJR117,3,13 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh was a loving husband to Janet for 75 years; a devoted father to their children, Mark, Gary, and Laurie; an adoring grandfather, step- grandfather, great-grandfather, and step-great-grandfather to Lindsay, Laura, John, Tom, Kari, Ashley, Trina, Melissa, Camden, Na'Koa, Zion, Harmony, Sienna, Margit, Seamus, Luke, Lindsay, Elana, Ezequiel, Irie, and Zachary; and a proud half-brother to Dean and Dennis; and

SJR117,3,15 Whereas, Rudy Silbaugh will be remembered for his kindness, humility, faith, and steadfast commitment to service; now, therefore, be it

SJR117,3,19 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin Legislature honor the life and public service of Representative Rudolph L. “Rudy” Silbaugh and extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

SJR117,3,20 (end)