Rep. David Allen Welter
Rep. David Allen Welter
Illinois state Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) is remembering former longtime state Sen. Jerry Joyce.
“Today we remember Sen. Joyce and his many contributions to our community during his time in and out of public office,” Welter recently posted on Twitter on July 2 in honor of the veteran lawmaker.
Joyce, who served 17 years in the state Senate as a Democrat in the 43rd Senate District, died June 19 at the age of 80.
Along with serving in the Senate, Joyce also served on the Kankakee County Board. A farmer by trade, he earned a reputation in Springfield for being a lover of all things related to the outdoors and agriculture and was often viewed as a leader on the issues.
“He was a good senator, and even though we were of different parties, we worked together where we could,” Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan told the Daily Journal. “He represented this area well.”
Joyce is also widely credited with being a key player in the conversion of the Manteno State Hospital campus for alternative uses once it closed more than three decades ago and with helping with the creation of the 1,017-acre Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area in Grundy County.
A memorial service for Joyce, who along with his late wife raised four children, was held in early July.
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