Woodridge Mourns Loss Of Park District Commissioner Fred Hohnke

WOODRIDGE, IL — If you go outside and spend time in just about any park in Woodridge, you can be thankful to Fred Hohnke. The former longtime Park District Commissioner and Board President recently passed away at age 79.

The Village of Woodridge and Mayor Gina Cunningham paid their respects to Hohnke in a post on Facebook. Mayor Cunningham said, "Fred’s dedication and heart for Woodridge is an inspiration for us all. He was a friend to all, and we’re forever grateful for having known him."

Hohnke's vision was to have a "a neighborhood park within walking distance for every resident," the village wrote. They added that he was instrumental in the development of Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Center, the Woodridge Athletic Recreation Center, and other attractions enjoyed by residents to this day.

In 2019, the village declared May 16 Fred C. Hohnke Day to "recognize him for his strength of character, selfless service, and unwavering passion and dedication to improve the quality of life for all of Woodridge." On Dec. 3, just days before his death, Hohnke received the village's Building On Our Dream Award at the annual Community Recognitions Award Ceremony.

In a statement about Hohnke's passing, Woodridge Park District Executive Director Mike Adams said, "We all will truly miss Fred's vision, passion, dedication and leadership as a Park Commissioner, Board President, mentor and most of all as a dear friend. Fred lived a wonderful life which should be celebrated for all that he achieved, leaving the Woodridge Community in a significantly better place than when he found it."