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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN JOSEPH “JOHNNY” LATTNER
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to call John Joseph “Johnny” Lattner from our midst on February 13, 2016, at the age of 83; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner enjoyed the distinction of being the only Chicago native to win the Heisman Trophy; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner also enjoyed the distinction of being one of the greatest athletes ever to grace the halls at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois; and,
WHEREAS, John Joseph “Johnny” Lattner was born in Chicago on October 24, 1932; and,
WHEREAS, following his achievements as an all-state high school football player, Johnny Lattner received numerous athletic scholarship offers, finally deciding to play for Coach Frank Leahy at Notre Dame; and,
WHEREAS, during his football career at Notre Dame, Johnny Lattner made his mark as a versatile halfback, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1953 during a season in which the team went undefeated; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner was a two-time all-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner played one season in the National Football League as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1954; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner’s professional football career was cut short by his service in the United States Air Force; and,
WHEREAS, following his Air Force service Johnny Lattner coached high school football in Wisconsin and worked as an assistant football coach at the University of Denver; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner subsequently achieved success in the restaurant business as the owner of two establishments, Johnny Lattner’s Steakhouse, and Johnny Lattner’s Marina City; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner later became Vice President of Sales for Pal Graphics in Broadview, Illinois; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner was a frequent and beloved participant in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, often donning a kilt and green stockings for the occasion; and,
WHEREAS, Johnny Lattner is survived by his wife, Peggy, his sons Jack, Bill, Tim and Mike, his daughters Kate, Maggie, Tricia and Gretchen, and many grandchildren;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the County Board President that the deepest condolences of this body are extended to the family of Johnny Lattner; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the County Board President that the gratitude of this body is extended to the family of Johnny Lattner for his many contributions to his community, both on and off the football field.
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