Itasca trustee remembered for honesty

Perhaps the only thing Itasca Trustee Ron Putzell could not do was lie.

"He was just as honest as they came," Village Administrator Dave Williams said. "He just cared so much and always told you what he thought."

After serving on Itasca's village board since 1995 and advocating for many community causes, Putzell, 59, died late Tuesday in his home. Village officials said rescue workers could not revive him and an autopsy is pending.

Both Putzell's family and colleagues said his death leaves an irreplaceable hole in both their personal lives and in Itasca.

After moving to the village 21 years ago, he began serving as a trustee in 1995 and took on key roles on local committees, such as chairman of the Community Development Committee, chairman of the Western Access and O'Hare Noise Committee and village liaison to the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference. He also sat on the board of the Northern DuPage Cable Television Agency.

"He had such a big heart and was so committed to the village." Mayor Claudia "Gigi" Gruber said. "His drive and his vision were just remarkable."

It was Putzell's vision that helped shepherd the development, design and construction of Itasca's new municipal complex in recent years. And it also helped him run his own company, Addison-based Data Cable Services, Inc.

When he took time to step away from village projects, Putzell focused on his wife, Barbara, and 19-year-old daughter, Lara.

Lara Putzell said her father was the most honest man she knew. He often cautioned her not to ask a question if she didn't want to hear a truthful answer.

"He just would never lie to anybody," she said. " He was so hard on the outside to many people, but once you got to know him, he was the biggest-hearted person you'll meet in your life. I can't even explain in words how wonderful he was."

During his personal time, Putzell loved to golf and was a long-standing member at Itasca Country Club. He also was a member of the Itasca Lions Club and Saint Luke's Church. On vacations, Putzell's family often traveled to Colorado, where he dreamed of retiring and pursing his skiing hobby.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, and the funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E. Irving Park Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The Ronald Putzell Memorial Fund for Itasca Needy, c/o Itasca Bank & Trust Co., 308 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL 60143.

For details on the fund, call (630) 773-0350.