Richard Gerig named Outstanding Citizen of the City of Wheaton
Richard "Dick" Gerig was named Outstanding Citizen of the City of Wheaton, an honor bestowed to only three other individuals in the city's history who have contributed to making Wheaton a better place to live.
Gerig, now retired and living at Windsor Park retirement community in Carol Stream, was presented the proclamation by Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk on Jan. 16 among friends, family, former colleagues, local dignitaries and the citizens of the City of Wheaton at the Wheaton City Council meeting.
The proclamation decreed that Gerig, who has been actively involved with the City of Wheaton, its institutions and residents, has "demonstrated his faith, love of history and commitment to Wheaton throughout the years" by being a member of the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council, a contributing columnist for the Daily Herald on behalf of the WHPC, co-founding the Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast, and serving on the board of directors of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and the DuPage Heritage Gallery.
Gerig was an elected member of the Wheaton City Council 1991-1995, and also served two brief interims to fill vacant positions.
In addition to working 30-plus years in the public relations department of Wheaton College, Gerig served on the Sesquicentennial Commission, and the city's Community Relations and Sister City Commissions. At Wheaton Bible Church, Gerig was the music director and served on the board of elders. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II.
"As I ponder the various roles I had during my career years, representing Wheaton College, and further interacting on behalf of the citizens of our beloved City of Wheaton, I have a warm sense of belonging," said Gerig during his remarks. "Now I trust for all of you, Mayor Gresk, and esteemed council members, good judgment in city affairs … and also for God's guidance and blessing upon you in your service."
As a resident of Windsor Park retirement community, a faith-based, active senior living community operated by Covenant Retirement Communities, Gerig continues his lifelong commitment to service.
Ryan Hust, the community's interim executive director, said, "We congratulate Dick on this deserving honor. We are blessed Dick chose to call Windsor Park home. He has continued his legacy of blending his faith and desire to serve those around him at Windsor, by directing one of our choirs and teaching Bible study. Dick's characteristic humility is present in everything he does."
About Windsor Park
Windsor Park, a faith-based, nonprofit, continuing care retirement community, is located at 124 Windsor Park Dr., Carol Stream, Ill. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC), one of the nation's largest, nonprofit senior services providers. It serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Windsor Park, call (877) 836-5664 or visit www.WindsorParkIllinois.org.