[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PETE VONACHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Harold ``Pete'' Vonachen, an American veteran from Illinois, who passed 
away on Monday, June 10th, 2013 at the age of 87. Pete was best known 
as ``Mr. Baseball'' around Peoria, and as a dedicated community leader 
and philanthropist. His loss will be felt throughout the community.
   Pete Vonachen, who graduated from Bradley University in Peoria with 
a Bachelor of Science in business administration, started out in the 
restaurant business, opening Vonachen's Junction in 1955. He carried 
over many of the same philosophies from his restaurant days to his 
other businesses, including a recognition of the importance of people. 
Pete treated everyone as a friend, regardless of whether you were a 
coworker, customer, or competitor.
   As his name and reputation grew, Pete purchased the Peoria Suns 
Minor League baseball franchise in 1985, later changing the name to the 
Peoria Chiefs, a tribute to Peoria's last baseball team. With the help 
of his close friend the great baseball broadcaster Harry Caray, he was 
able to reach an affiliation agreement with the Chicago Cubs. Under 
Pete's leadership, the once struggling franchise became the first 
Midwest League team to draw more than 200,000 fans in one season.
   Pete Vonachen also served his community in many roles, including as 
the Director of the Peoria Cerebral Palsy Board, a member of OSF St. 
Francis Medical Advisory Board, the Chairman of the Children's Hospital 
of Illinois Medical Center, a Peoria Park District trustee, the 
Director of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Peoria Rotary 
Club, among others.
   Mr. Speaker, I am forever grateful for Pete's contributions as a 
serviceman and leader in his community, and am deeply saddened by his 
passing. I offer my sincerest thoughts and prayers to his wife Donna, 
the rest of the Vonachen family, and the entire Peoria community.

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