December 9, 2019 – It’s with a very heavy heart and extreme sadness to notify the Woodridge Community of the recent passing of long time and previous Woodridge Park District Commissioner and Board President Fred Hohnke.
Park Commissioner Hohnke, or “Fred” as everyone knew him, was elected to the Woodridge Park District Board of Park Commissioners in 1989 and selflessly served the Woodridge Community for 30 Years.
Park Board President Bill Cohen stated, “I am deeply saddened to hear of Fred’s passing but so very thankful to have known him. He had a meaningful impact on me and everyone that knew him. He was a special man and will be remembered fondly.”
Fred was a loyal supporter of enriching the overall quality of life for all Woodridge residents through parks and recreation, which was evident by his commitment to develop and improve all parks, facilities, programs and services. Some of his contributions included but not limited to the development of: several neighborhood parks, Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, Orchard Hill Park Sports Field Complex, the 21 mile off-road Woodridge Bikeway System, Janes Avenue Park athletic facility renovations and skateboard facility addition, Hobson Corner Park Aquatic Splash Pad, Community Center administrative office and program space addition, maintenance facility, Town Centre land acquisition, the Athletic Recreation Center and so much more.
Executive Director Mike Adams stated, “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.”
Fred was previously recognized by his professional peers receiving the National Recreation & Park Association’s Citizen Board Member Branch National Service Award, Illinois Association of Park District’s (IAPD) Allan A. Weissburg Commissioner of the Year Award; IAPD’s Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award; and most recently on December 3, 2019 receiving from Mayor Gina Cunningham-Picek the Village of Woodridge’s highest honor – the “Building on Our Dream Award.”
Fred’s legacy reflective of his selfless commitment to the field of parks and recreation and most notably to the Woodridge Park District was further recognized in April, 2019 with the official naming of the Park District’s Community Center as the “Fred C. Hohnke Community Center.”
Thoughts and prayers for Fred, past wife Carol, daughter Kathy, sons Jim and Fred Jr., and the entire Hohnke family are appreciated. Rest in Peace, Fred!
Visitation arrangements will be posted once finalized by the Hohnke family.