[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E143-E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOE WARNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Joe Warner, who tragically passed away in a plane crash shortly after 
takeoff from Central Illinois Regional Airport on July 22.
  Many of our Nation's greatest servants have never been elected to 
public office. They silently and humbly transform communities out of 
the kindness of their hearts, selfless generosity, and a dedication to 
improving the welfare of loved ones and those whom he had never met. 
Joe Warner was one of these servants, and serves as an inspiration to 
us all.
  Joe Warner was born on July 3, 1942, in DeKalb, IL, to Paul and Doris 
Walkey Warner. He attended Northern Illinois University, and then 
received his MBA from the University of Illinois. Mr. Warner went on to 
become president and chief executive officer of Heritage Enterprises, a 
long term care corporation, which is located in Bloomington, IL.
  The frail elderly of Illinois have benefited greatly from the 
leadership and dedication of Joe Warner. Whether it was in his capacity 
as president and chief executive officer of Heritage Enterprises, or 
president of the Illinois Health Care Association, Mr. Warner 
tirelessly advocated on behalf of Illinois' seniors to ensure they were 
afforded the highest quality of care. He considered anything less as 
unacceptable, because his residents were our fathers, mothers, wives, 
and husbands.
  Joe Warner's generosity was not limited to the elderly. Illinois' 
youth have also lost a friend. Prior to his passing, he had taken on 
the role of planner and fundraiser for the $3 million Challenger 
Learning Center, which will be an educational site for children to 
learn more about math and science. Memorial contributions are being 
made to the learning center, to ensure that Mr. Warner's vision is 
realized.
  The towns of Normal and Bloomington are better places to work and 
live because of Joe Warner. In 1987 he conducted a $2 million 
renovation in Bloomington which served as a catalyst in the town's 
revitalization program. In addition, he served on Normal's 2025 
Committee, which planned for the city's future, as well as its Downtown 
Advisory Commission.
  Joe Warner was involved in scores of organizations, and knew the 
importance of investment in his community. Mr. Warner was the dedicated 
head of the McLean County GOP for ten years. He served his country in 
the army. He was on the legislative committee of the board of directors 
of the Illinois State University Foundation. He was the past-president 
of the Redbird Education and Scholarship Fund at Illinois State 
University, past-chairman of the McLean County American Heart 
Association, past-director of the Bloomington Occupational Development 
Center, past-director of the United Campus Christian Church Foundation; 
past ruling elder of the First United Presbyterian Church, past 
director of the Illinois Wesleyan University Association, and past 
director of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
  Along with his cherished wife, Rose Stadel, Joe Warner was a loving 
and devoted father to his children Jeff, and Jennifer. His son is a 
pilot and introduced him to flying, which became his passion.
  The memory of Joe Warner will continue through his numerous 
contributions to his community. On July 22, Illinois lost a respected 
and admired friend. He will be missed. On behalf of my colleagues, I 
salute the rich legacy and the spirit of Joe Warner.

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